About
AAMA's mission is to galvanize and equip Black marketers with the resources and opportunities they need to grow their brands.
Our story
Founded in February 2019, AAMA was inspired by years of poor representation in advertising and marketing spaces. We recognized a gap between Black/African American marketing experts and where a diverse mindset is needed the most. We aim to close that gap and increase the amount of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the marketing industry.
By connecting this community of professionals, we can offer the world a pool of talented and qualified marketers.
“Who is approving these messages? Where are the Black marketers?”
Today, AAMA serves a growing community of marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs through membership, programs, events, partnerships, and thought leadership. The organization continues to evolve while remaining grounded in its founding purpose: creating access, opportunity, and belonging.
Our foundation
To educate, empower, and elevate Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs by providing access to education, community, and opportunity.
To be the leading platform where Black marketers and creatives grow, connect, and transform the industry.
Community, Authenticity, Excellence, and Equity. We believe in lifting as we climb, creating opportunities for the next generation, and honoring the culture that shapes our craft.
Founder
AAMA Founder & President
In the winter of 2013, Michelle Ngome realized that a Black marketing association did not exist, at least not online. Known as a solid networker, Michelle had served in various leadership roles, but she knew starting an organization from scratch would be a lot of work.
In the fall of 2018, Michelle began developing the concept of AAMA. In February 2019, the organization was launched with its founding board and members.
Then COVID happened. Despite the pandemic, AAMA covered a lot of ground in a short time. The vision was six years in the making before launching, and Michelle's determination to create a space where Black marketers could thrive has driven the organization from the very beginning.
Our journey
2013
Michelle Ngome realized that a Black marketing association did not exist, at least not online. Known as a solid networker, she had served in various leadership roles, but knew starting an organization from scratch would be a lot of work.
2017
A series of commercials misrepresenting Black people, or lacking Black and Brown representation entirely, raised two questions: Who is approving these messages? Where are the Black marketers? Michelle began developing the concept of AAMA.
2019
In February 2019, the African American Marketing Association was officially launched with its founding board and members, inspired by years of poor representation in advertising and marketing spaces.
2020
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, AAMA covered a lot of ground in a short time, expanding programming and reaching Black marketers across the country through virtual events and partnerships.
2021
Released the inaugural Top 50 Black Marketers on the Rise list and launched the Marketing for the Culture Podcast, establishing AAMA as a thought leader in the industry.
2022
Hosted the inaugural Marketing for the Culture Summit, bringing together hundreds of marketing professionals for keynotes, panels, and networking in Houston.
2024
Continued to grow the community through membership, programs, events, partnerships, and thought leadership while remaining grounded in the founding purpose: creating access, opportunity, and belonging.
What we do
We provide a full ecosystem of support for Black marketers through events, education, career development, and community.
From our flagship MFTC Summit to monthly general body meetings and mixers, we host events that spark connections, share knowledge, and celebrate Black excellence in marketing.
Our career board, mentorship programs, and the Business of Marketing Bootcamp help members advance their careers and land opportunities at top companies.
We foster a supportive community where Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs can build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and collaborate on projects.
Through partnerships with Google, Meta, and other industry leaders, we provide access to cutting-edge training, certifications, and educational content.
Through the Marketing for the Culture Podcast, our blog, and the annual Black Marketers to Watch recognition, we amplify Black voices and perspectives across the industry.
Get involved
Become a member and connect with a growing community of Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the industry.
