If you’ve seen our Spread Love campaign, then you’ve seen some of the creativity of Canvaas Consulting at work.
Continuing our focus on Black History Month and amplifying voices in our community, our friends at the local marketing agency agreed to come to the table and share their thoughts.
“Black History Month gives us an opportunity to learn, celebrate and reflect on Black stories, heroes, tragedies and our contributions throughout world history,” said Dionte’ Johnson, the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Canvaas.
He added the agency believes even though Black History should have a greater presence in our school systems, the month of February provides the perfect opportunity to educate people on our progressive journey to where we are today.
“Sharing stories is what builds empathy, empathy is what leads to conviction which ultimately leads to change,” Johnson said. “Regardless of how we feel about it, the hyper-focused approach raises new awareness every year, and through the new lens we take one step forward towards equality.”
Equality is something heavily rooted in Canvaas’ philosophy and identity. Co-Founder and Content Director Yaves Ellis told us it’s important that they give back to the Black community.
“As an African American owned agency we take pride in serving our community. We understand that the black experience is not monolithic,” Ellis said.
“We embody the heterogeneity of our culture in that our team is made up of a diverse group that’s connected and rooted in the black community” he added.
Ellis said the agency engages a number of teenagers and college students in an internship at their offices where they can learn the inner workings of marketing, branding, video and design. They also host quarterly community outreach events that serve to deliver services to underserved communities and neighborhoods.
“Ultimately we find that our passion is building and launching campaigns that speak to the need for equity and inclusion across a number of sectors,” Ellis said.
When searching for a local firm to work with on Spread Love, equity, inclusion and the need to reach audiences and communities that typically don’t see our messages was critical. Something that Operations Director Elyse Applewhite has seen become apparent in recent years.
“Public Health agencies are now showing that they aren't just going to talk about something — they're ready for action and they’re doing that by directly engaging communities they service and communicate with, through direct partnership,” Applewhite said before adding, “Canvaas is a minority owned business and we are very passionate about bringing the entire community to the table with us.”
Applewhite noted that FCPH had wanted to work with trusted community messengers in order to improve health equity despite the challenges of past mistakes and historical struggles.
“There is a known level of distrust in relation to communities of color and the health system,” she said.
“For us to address the issue and provide solutions, there is a need for people of color to be present in those conversations and brainstorms. It is important that decision makers who are sincere about moving forward and righting historical wrongs, partner with those communities who have been afflicted. That in particular is key for growth and FCPH is showing their willingness to bring about change,” she added. ... See more