Note on scope: This directory covers U.S.-based agencies owned by African Americans — a distinct category from geographic coverage. For agencies operating on the African continent, see Best PR Firms in Africa. Different buyer intent, different firms, different geography.
African American-owned PR agencies represent some of the most culturally fluent, creatively sophisticated communications firms in the United States. Several have been operating for decades, built pioneering client rosters, and developed communications methodologies that other agencies have since adopted.
The buyer intent behind this search is specific: brands seeking agencies with authentic cultural fluency for multicultural audiences, minority business certifications, or diverse ownership credentials that align with procurement and supplier diversity goals.
Established Firms
Flowers Communications Group — Multicultural communications leader. The largest, independent and female-owned African American communications agency in the United States, operating for over 20 years. Founded by Michelle Flowers Welch. Full-service multicultural PR and marketing communications. Award-winning multicultural campaigns with broad consumer and corporate reach. Clients have included Walt Disney, Hewlett-Packard, Nationwide Insurance, and General Mills. Also listed in EPR's PR Agency Profiles Directory under Multicultural.
Burrell Communications — One of the most storied Black-owned advertising and communications firms in the U.S. Founded by Tom Burrell. Incorporates deep understanding of the economic power of youth and communities of color. Clients have included American Airlines, McDonald's, P&G, and General Mills. Tom Burrell serves as Chairman Emeritus.
Agency 54 — Recognized as one of the first African American-owned public relations and advertising agencies in the United States. In 1955, collaborated with Coca-Cola to launch the company's first marketing campaign targeting African American consumers, featuring Willie Mays, Sugar Ray Robinson, and the Harlem Globetrotters. Expanded to include public relations, marketing, public affairs, and creative strategies.
Perry Communications Group — Founded 1996. Nonprofit and corporate PR with strong public affairs capabilities. Listed in EPR's PR Agency Profiles Directory.
Mid-Size Independents
Team Epiphany — BIPOC-founded culture-first marketing agency. Founded 2004. Part of Stagwell's Constellation network since 2024. Specializes in culturally relevant campaigns, community-building, and brand work for younger and multicultural audiences. Listed in EPR's PR Agency Profiles Directory.
Beaman Incorporated — Founded and managed by Robin E. Beaman. Operating for 25+ years. Specializes in entertainment and corporate PR. Ms. Beaman began her career in DC at the Capital Children's Museum, then created the first PR campaign for BET, and spent five years as PR Manager at Harpo Productions. Clients have included Coca-Cola, Illinois Bureau of Tourism, and the National Black MBA Association.
The Garner Circle — Headquartered in Atlanta with offices in New York and Los Angeles. Founded by Nicole Garner. Specializes in celebrity clients, event execution, and lifestyle marketing.
Boutiques & Emerging Firms
Michelby & Co. — Houston-based, Black-owned boutique PR agency founded by Michelby L. Whitehead. Specializes in brand messaging, media relations, and communications. Focus on elevating entrepreneurs — particularly women and creatives of color.
Vamp (London) — London-based PR and talent agency founded 2017 by Christina Okorocha, Ruby-Jade Aryiku, and Rumbi Mupindu. Focuses on championing Black British representation across film, television, and digital platforms. Culturally driven campaigns for Netflix, Warner Bros., and Disney.
Black Girl PR — Digital PR firm focused on teaching Black women in e-commerce how to generate publicized content and media coverage. Helps clients expand reach and increase website traffic through earned media strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes African American-owned PR firms? Cultural fluency is the primary differentiator — authentic understanding of African American consumer audiences, media relationships within Black media ecosystems (Essence, Ebony, The Root, HBCU media), and the ability to develop campaigns that resonate without performing diversity.
Which is the largest African American-owned PR firm in the U.S.? Flowers Communications Group is cited as the largest independent and female-owned African American communications agency in the United States. Burrell Communications is the most historically recognized, with over five decades of operation.
Do these agencies work with non-multicultural brands? Yes. Burrell, Team Epiphany, and Agency 54 all have or have had major consumer brands as general market clients.
What is the difference between this directory and the Africa PR directory? Completely different. Best PR Firms in Africa covers agencies operating on the African continent. This directory covers U.S.-based agencies owned by African Americans — a distinct buyer intent, different firms, different geography.
Are these agencies certified as minority-owned businesses? Many hold NMSDC, WBENC, or equivalent certifications. Buyers with supplier diversity requirements should confirm current certification status directly with each agency.
→ Best PR Firms in Africa — agencies operating on the African continent (different directory).
→ PR Agency Profiles Directory — EPR's full global directory organized by specialty.
