Page 6 - Talladegan SP 4 Flipbook
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Editor’s Note
Long before I heard of agencies were clueless about the African-American
Talladega College, I heard of market. She secured high-profile clients such as Sears,
Barbara (Gardner) Proctor Roebuck & Company, Kraft, and Alberto-Culver,
‘54. When I was growing and her company quickly became the second-largest
up in public housing in African-American advertising agency in the nation.
Chicago, her success
made me believe that Ms. Proctor was a trailblazer who had a transformative
anything was possible. Ms. impact on the industry. She was highlighted in
Proctor was the first African influential publications, featured on 60 Minutes and
American woman to own and proclaimed a “hero” by President Ronald Reagan.
manage an advertising agency, and she was Windy
City royalty. In December 2018, headlines around the world announced
the passing of Ms. Proctor. The tributes to her life reminded
Despite being raised in a home without running water, me of the hope she once inspired in me.
the North Carolina native earned bachelor’s degrees
in English, education and social work from Talladega; Like Ms. Proctor, Talladegans around the world are
moved to Chicago; and, in 1970, launched Proctor and leading inspirational lives. Many are standouts in
Gardner Advertising. their fields or leaders in their communities. Some are
known for their remarkable financial contributions.
Her agency name was cleverly selected to combat Others generously donate time to meaningful causes.
sexism and racism. By combining Proctor, her Many people may not realize that these remarkable
name by marriage, and Gardner, her maiden name, individuals are Talladegans, but they know the world
she gave the impression that there might be another is a better place because of them.
owner - perhaps a male. Proctor and Gardner also
sounded conveniently similar to Proctor and Gamble, In our inaugural issue of The New Talladegan, I
a large white corporation. While having the right am thrilled to share the stories of a few of these
company name was beneficial, her creativity and social outstanding individuals.
consciousness were particularly essential to her success.
Sincerely,
Ms. Proctor understood the importance of showing Mary King Sood
positive black images at a time when most advertising Mary King Sood
Director of Public Relations
Thank you to the Chicago SunTimes for sharing these
iconic photos of renowned adwoman Ms. Barbara
(Gardner) Proctor (November 30, 1932 – December
19, 2018) with The New Talladegan.
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