The Bold and Powerful Storytelling of Arby's Black History Month Ad: Honoring a Legacy of Excellence

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Arby's has always been known for their delicious sandwiches, but this Black History Month, they brought a new flavor of storytelling. The fast food chain released a powerful ad that honors the legacy of excellence in the African American community. The ad features a young boy who has an incredible talent for drawing.

The ad commences by taking us through the history of excellence in Black culture, highlighting pioneers like Jesse Owens, Dr. Mae Jemison and Wilma Rudolph. As the boy creates a drawing of these legends, we see how his sketches come to life, forming a vibrant and impactful narrative about Black excellence. The ad is a touching tribute to African American history, paying homage to the numerous achievements of the community throughout the years.

What makes this commercial so bold and powerful is its ability to showcase the rich history of African Americans with a touch of modernity. There is an emotional connection that viewers feel, as they realize the weight of the accomplishments of the individuals being celebrated. The ad serves as a reminder of how each member of the African American community can add to the legacy of excellence, inspiring future generations to continue the tradition of breaking boundaries and exceeding expectations.

In conclusion, Arby's Black History Month ad is a masterful piece of advertising that tells a story of triumph, inspiration, and excellence in the African American community. It highlights iconic figures of the past and present, while also showcasing the potential of future generations to add to that impressive legacy. This ad is a must-see for anyone who wants to gain a deeper appreciation of the greatness of Black culture, and the level of excellence that can be achieved.

If you are looking for a poignant reminder of the value of black history, be sure to check out this ad from Arby's. You will be moved by its touching message and inspired to continue celebrating Black history and culture. Read on to learn more about the impact of the ad and how it has sparked conversations about the role of advertising in promoting diversity and inclusion.


The Bold and Powerful Storytelling of Arby's Black History Month Ad: Honoring a Legacy of Excellence

Arby's, the American fast-food restaurant chain, has recently released a Black History Month ad that honors the legacy of black excellence that has helped shape the United States. The two-minute video uses powerful storytelling to showcase the contributions of African Americans in various fields, from music and literature to sports and politics. In this article, we will compare and contrast the ad's strengths and weaknesses and provide our overall opinion of the campaign.

Storyline and Production Design

The ad's storyline is simple but effective: showcasing black excellence by highlighting various people who have made a significant impact on American history. The production design is visually stunning, featuring high-quality visuals with crisp details that make for an engaging viewing experience. Throughout the video, the audience is presented with clips that celebrate black culture and history.

The video is accompanied by a narration that is both clear and concise, allowing the viewer to actively engage in the story being told. The sound editing of the ad is also noteworthy, as it seamlessly transitions between various music tracks that reflect African American culture.

Use of Symbolism and Imagery

One of the most notable features of the ad is the skillful use of symbolism and imagery to tell the story of black excellence. For example, during the clip featuring black athletes, the camera focuses on a pair of shoes hanging from a telephone pole. This image symbolizes the barriers faced by black athletes in the past, who were not allowed to compete alongside their white counterparts.

Additionally, the ad uses powerful imagery to showcase the contributions of black musicians and activists, such as the famous image of Malcolm X with his arms crossed, which signifies strength and defiance. Furthermore, the use of color and lighting effectively conveys the mood of each clip, further highlighting the skillful use of imagery in the ad.

Comparison to Other Black History Month Ads

In comparison to other Black History Month ads, Arby's ad is unique in its focus on honoring African Americans who have made significant contributions to American society across various fields. Other ads tend to focus on slavery and oppression, making the viewing experience more solemn and contemplative.

What sets the Arby's ad apart is its upbeat tone and celebration of African American culture, which can be seen in the clips featuring hip-hop and black fashion. By using this approach, the ad not only showcases black excellence but also empowers young African Americans to continue pushing themselves to achieve greatness in any field they choose.

Audience Reaction

The Arby's Black History Month ad has been widely praised on social media for its powerful storytelling and stunning visuals. Viewers have highlighted the ad's ability to showcase black excellence in a positive light, challenging negative stereotypes often propagated in mainstream media.

Many viewers have also commented on how the ad resonated with them on a personal level, as it allowed them to see themselves and their community represented in a positive light. The ad has undoubtedly contributed to important conversations about race and representation in media and advertising.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its many strengths, the Arby's Black History Month ad has been criticized for being too commercialized and self-serving. Critics argue that using black history as a marketing tool ultimately trivializes the struggles faced by African Americans in the past and present.

Another concern expressed is the fact that the ad is produced by a fast-food chain that has a problematic history in terms of labor practices and workplace conditions. This can lead to accusations of superficiality and performative wokeness, where companies use social justice issues as a marketing tool without actually making meaningful changes.

Overall Opinion

The Arby's Black History Month ad is undoubtedly a powerful piece of storytelling that celebrates the rich legacy of African American culture and history. The use of symbolism and imagery, as well as the upbeat tone and positive representation, make for a refreshing change from the traditional solemn approach taken by other Black History Month ads.

However, it is important to acknowledge the criticisms and controversies surrounding the ad. While the ad is undeniably well-made, skeptics are right to question whether it represents a genuine commitment to social justice or merely a cynical attempt at capitalizing on current trends.

The final verdict on the ad is a complex one, as it highlights the challenges of corporate representation in issues related to race and social justice. However, despite its shortcomings, the ad ultimately succeeds in showcasing black excellence and contributing to important conversations about representation and inclusion in media and advertising.


Thank you, dear readers, for taking the time to explore and read this article on Arby's Black History Month ad campaign. The powerful and bold storytelling in the advertisement has been truly remarkable and has brilliantly portrayed the legacy of excellence that black Americans have created over the years.

The advertisement pays homage to a number of black icons throughout history, including civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., poet Maya Angelou, astronaut Mae Jemison, and more. It emphasizes the importance of celebrating the achievements of these trailblazers and remembering their contributions, while also inspiring us to continue to strive for greatness ourselves.

We hope that this article has given you a deeper appreciation for Arby's commitment to honoring Black History Month and the incredible legacies it represents. Let us all take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments and sacrifices of those who have come before us, and to continue seeking knowledge, change, and progress in the present and future.


Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about Arby's Black History Month Ad:

  1. What is Arby's Black History Month Ad?

    Arby's Black History Month Ad is a commercial created by the fast food chain to celebrate and honor the legacy of black excellence in America.

  2. What is the message behind Arby's Black History Month Ad?

    The message behind Arby's Black History Month Ad is to recognize and pay tribute to the amazing achievements of black Americans throughout history, and to highlight the importance of celebrating diversity and inclusivity in our society.

  3. Who is featured in Arby's Black History Month Ad?

    Arby's Black History Month Ad features several influential black Americans who have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, literature, music, and sports.

  4. What is unique about Arby's Black History Month Ad?

    What sets Arby's Black History Month Ad apart from other commercials is its bold and powerful storytelling, which uses striking visuals and stirring narration to convey a powerful message of hope and inspiration.

  5. How has Arby's Black History Month Ad been received by audiences?

    Arby's Black History Month Ad has been widely praised for its moving and impactful portrayal of black excellence, with many viewers expressing appreciation for the company's efforts to celebrate diversity and promote social justice.