Cricket Wireless and Mekanism team up to support HBCU marching bands
Generations of wealth inequality for African Americans have left HBCUs with smaller endowments and dependent on tuition for revenue from a high percentage of low-income students.
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In honor of Black Music Month, Cricket Wireless and independent creative agency Mekanism, have launched a campaign spotlighting HBCU marching bands, who have stylistic traditions that have helped shape modern music and performances, you may remember Beyonce’s iconic 2018 Coachella performance that paid tribute to the HBCU experience. In fact, many celebrities including Samuel L. Jackson, Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad all started their careers in HBCU marching bands.
Generations of wealth inequality for African Americans have left HBCUs with smaller endowments and dependent on tuition for revenue from a high percentage of low-income students. Cricket Wireless saw this exacerbated over the past year with COVID-19 disproportionately affecting HBCUs; and while the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides much needed relief to HBCUs, the funds are directed to STEM programs. Meanwhile, marching bands are the beating heart of these institutions, providing a source of joy and community, not to mention historical importance.
The social campaign titled Endless Sound not only features videos of HBCU marching bands, showcasing their talent and spirit, but also has a profound call to action. Cricket Wireless will be making a $24K donation, $3k for each of the eight schools gearing up for the National Battle of the Bands competition in August, and invites their audience to join them in supporting the heart of these schools by donating as well.
Credits
View on- Agency Mekanism/New York
- Production Company Sister Studios (In-House at Mekanism/New York)
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Credits
View on- Agency Mekanism/New York
- Production Company Sister Studios (In-House at Mekanism/New York)
- Copywriter Justin Foster
- Senior Producer Zachary Fleming
- Art Director Audrey Marlett
- Copywriter Kira McCall
- Content Creator Jesse Santos
- Creative Director Pepe Funegra
- Colorist Josh Blackman
Explore full credits, grab hi-res stills and more on shots Vault
Credits
powered by- Agency Mekanism/New York
- Production Company Sister Studios (In-House at Mekanism/New York)
- Copywriter Justin Foster
- Senior Producer Zachary Fleming
- Art Director Audrey Marlett
- Copywriter Kira McCall
- Content Creator Jesse Santos
- Creative Director Pepe Funegra
- Colorist Josh Blackman
In addition to the social promotion, Cricket Wireless and Mekanism are launching an NFT featuring artwork from Nikki Moon, a Black artist and Bowie State alum, where proceeds will be donated directly back to the HBCU Band Together Scholarship Fund and Nikki Moon.
Throughout the month, Cricket will post a range of social content across Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/TikTok that elicit joy-provoking conversations and deeper stories about the Black community’s experience with HBCU marching bands. Midway through the month, they will launch and sell the NFT.
Tiffany Baehman, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President, Cricket Wireless says: “After years of supporting HBCU football, we wanted to be “all in” on the game. HBCU football games aren’t complete without the bands,” said Tiffany Baehman, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President, Cricket Wireless. “We are excited to extend our relationship to include the National Battle of the Bands. Cricket will support the Band Together Scholarship, as well as engage with the participating bands and band members to give viewers an inside look at the National Battle of the Bands.”
Pepe Funegra, Creative Director at Mekanism adds: “We're super excited to be helping Cricket celebrate Black Music Month in a meaningful and tangible way.,” said Pepe Funegra, Creative Director at Mekanism. “Our ‘Endless Sound’ campaign is designed to amplify and empower HBCU Marching Bands, celeb
