In the last few years, many states have passed legislation banning specific books, and critical parts of American history–erasing the stories and contributions of marginalized people in our country. Just recently, Florida banned the use of state and federal funds on DEI programs at state universities. And it doesn’t appear like it will stop there.
So Courageous Conversations and agency Wieden+Kennedy New York teamed on a campaign based on the belief that all students deserve to have an education that represents our true history. The “America Erased” campaign was designed to show the dangerous repercussions of erasing stories that represent American values. A cornerstone of the campaign is this powerful film directed by Omar Jones via Riff Raff Films.
The film shows key pieces of history wiped away from photos and archival footage–with luminary figures like Dr. Martin Luther King banished from the classroom and Ruby Bridges eliminated from textbooks.
Credits
Client Courageous Conversation Agency Wieden+Kennedy New York Marques Gartrell, chief creative officer/creative director; Monica Roebuck, copywriter; Macaihah Broussard, art director; Nick Setounski, head of integrated production; Cecilia Ramirez, producer; Caroline Park, associate producer; Christopher Gonzalez, art producer; Christian Colasuonno, sr. interactive producer; Donovan Triplett, brand strategy director; Mia Lockhart, designer. Production Company Riff Raff Omar Jones, director; Matthew Fone, owner; Matthew Clyde, exec producer; David Wept, producer; Jagger Corcione, line producer; Nem Fisher, production manager; Madison Baker, production coorindator. Editorial Arcade Edit Paul Martinez, editor; Sila Soyer, exec producer; Arlene Perez, producer; Lucas Ferreira, editorial assistant. VFX Preymaker Angus Kneale, Verity Kneale, Melanie Wickham, Clairellen Wallin, Luis Martin, Ija Ochoa, Jabulani Simelane, Edward Lopez, Julian Fitzpatrick, Nathan Anderson, David Grzesik, Hassan Taimur, Casey Herrick, Samantha Woods, Nicholas Young, Wynand de Wet, Kelley Harris, makers. Telecine Company 3 Sofie Borup, colorist; Shannen Troup, producer; Kevin Breheny, head of production. Audio Post Sonic Union Steve Rosen, sound designer/mix engineer; Justine Cortale, studio director. Music Company Walker Sara Matarazzo, managing director; Neha Ewell, Dottie Scharr, sr. producers; Sam Zirin, associate producer; Malcolm Parson, composer; Garrett Chabot, music editor.
The Ad Council, partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUSKids, launched a public service campaign, created pro bono by Edelman, which aims to inspire prospective parents to consider adopting a teen from foster care.
This centerpiece PSA titled “The Rewards”--directed by The Hudson Dusters (Michael Kuhn and Niles Roth) via Greenpoint Pictures--spotlights real adoptive families who have personally experienced the mutual benefits of adoption. This longer form PSA (and cutdown versions) begins with a touching display of openness and vulnerability as adoptive parents reflect on their adoption journeys and their initial questions and hesitations about adopting a teen. Then, in a deeply emotional turn, the adoptive parents witness their children recounting the profound rewards of adoption in their lives. The teens speak of the love they share with their parents and how the decision to become a family is reciprocal. The campaign directs viewers to the AdoptUSKids website to learn more about adopting a teen from foster care.
