Eddie Murphy's Long-Term Effect on Ad Agency Diversity

The Video Story of Dallas' Marcus Graham Project

Produced by Hoag Levins
Published: November 12, 2009

In the African American community, Eddie Murphy is a powerful symbol of ad agency diversity.

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- How is Eddie Murphy playing a role in a new push to diversify ad agencies? Former agency account exec Lincoln Stephens is both an example and an evangelist of the "Boomerang" effect. A year ago Stephens abruptly quit his Chicago agency job, moved back to his hometown of Dallas and, on a shoestring budget, launched a program to recruit, train and motivate talented young African Americans for advertising agency jobs. Execs at The Richards Group, Imaginuity, Tracy Locke and other Dallas organizations volunteered to mentor participants in his first boot camp sessions.

10 Comments

By EOElliott | East Point, GA November 12, 2009 10:30:46 am:

What an adventurous effort! Young Black men need more responsible and forward-thinking mentors like this. Hats off to Mr. Stephens!

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By adagefan | New York, NY November 12, 2009 10:50:19 am:

Very cool initiative! Great work.

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By Steve | Fredonia, NY November 12, 2009 10:52:03 am:

I added Boomerang to my netflix queue

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By ChristopherBrownIV | Chicago, IL November 12, 2009 12:39:31 pm:

Having met Lincoln, I'm not surprised that he's making waves.

What he's doing is sorely needed and not just in Dallas. I'm sure his program will be successful.

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By rgibralter | NEW YORK, NY November 12, 2009 12:49:01 pm:

Just do it, Lincoln. This is truly inspiring. I'd love to see programs like this in NY, Chicago, Boston, Portland, Minneapolis, Atlanta, etc. If I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me, rgibralter@gmail.com

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By alysha | NEW YORK, NY November 12, 2009 12:59:34 pm:

This is an excellent initiative, and kudos to Ad Age for covering. When I think about it, "Boomerang" was the first movie I saw that portrayed African American actors in advertising careers, too. And boy, did they make it look good.

As diversity is sorely needed in this industry, let's hope others will take notice.

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By fooddancefilms | Dallas, TX November 12, 2009 02:02:43 pm:

My hats off to you Lincoln, Rock On! Someone out there stepping up to the plate for Latinos??

Abrazos!

JL louie Partida
line producer
NALIP Dallas -President
Dallas
214.478.8619

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By tolandra | Des Moines, IA November 12, 2009 02:14:46 pm:

I LOVE this story. Thank you for sharing.

tolandra
Strategic America
Des Moines, IA

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By slocket | Akron, OH November 15, 2009 08:56:01 pm:

I was always a fan of Eddie Murphy's "Boomerang" and now I am a fan of Lincoln Stephens.

Kevin Lockett
Digital Media Professional

www.twitter.com/lockettmedia

www.twitter.com/kevinlockett

www.lockettmedia.moonfruit.com

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By KBrianneW | Chicago, IL November 17, 2009 11:18:34 am:

Lincoln,

This is great! Thank you for bringing this initiative to the industry and kudos to AdAge for covering this effort!

KB

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