Black History Month is an important time for businesses to celebrate and recognize the achievements, contributions, and cultural significance of the African American community. As a way to support and show solidarity, businesses can use video marketing to tell meaningful stories, promote diversity and inclusiveness, and connect with audiences on a deeper level. This not only helps to create a positive brand image, but it also provides businesses with an opportunity to engage with customers and show their commitment to diversity and equality.

As a video production company, it’s an honor to have worked with notable names like Black Entertainment Television (BET) to produce video content with an intended impact far beyond monetary profit. 

To celebrate the occasion—and help spark some ideas for your business—here are five companies that have produced outstanding Black History Month video marketing campaigns in recent years:

Nike 

The Nike “Equality” commercial, which was released in 2017 during Black History Month, is a powerful and inspiring statement promoting diversity and inclusiveness. The ad features a mix of prominent athletes, celebrities, and everyday people from different races, genders, and backgrounds, coming together to promote the message of equality.

The commercial’s use of bold black and white visuals and an uplifting soundtrack adds to the overall impact of the message being conveyed. The tagline “Equality has no boundaries,” sets a powerful tone that encourages viewers to take action towards creating a more equal and just society.

In terms of video marketing, the “Equality” commercial is a great example of how brands can use video to not only promote their products, but also to take a stand on important social issues.

Coca-Cola

The Coca Cola “History Shakers” commercial, released in 2020 during Black History Month, is a beautifully crafted advertisement that celebrates the current contributions of Black individuals in society. The ad features Black musicians, scientists, and activists all shaking up the status quo and making their mark on the world.

It’s an interesting take on the more common cadence of looking back into history to celebrate achievements. The message of “This is for the one shaking history every day” resonates with viewers and inspires them to make their own mark on the world.

“History Shakers” is a great example of how brands can use video to effectively connect both the past and present, and in this case, trace the tremendous influence of African Americans.

Airbnb 

Airbnb released the “We Accept” commercial as part of their Black History Month campaign in 2017. The ad features a montage of different individuals from various cultures, races, and backgrounds, with on-screen text that says “The world is more beautiful when you accept.”

By highlighting the idea of belonging and acceptance, Airbnb successfully conveys its core values and positions itself as a company that truly cares about its customers and the world they live in. 

Google

Google’s “The Most Searched” commercial is a powerful and thought-provoking advertisement that highlights Black individuals as leaders in their respective spaces and not simply contributors. The ad features a montage of Google search terms starting with “The most…” followed by montages of historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Barack Obama.

This ad is a great example of how brands can use data and insights to connect with audiences on a more authentic level. By showing how people are using Google to learn about and engage with Black history and culture, the ad highlights the importance and relevance of Black history and culture in our lives.

Verizon 

Finally, we wanted to look back at Verizon’s “History in the Making” ad spot from back in 2007. As a communications company, Verizon strategically focused on Black voices throughout history and how they have helped create and amplify important causes and initiatives. The commercial centers on popular African American poet, J Ivy, as he beautifully runs through the impact of Black voices in forming human history and the present.

It’s a great showcase for Black poets out there as well as the many individuals who are essential in moving us forward culturally, technologically, and beyond.