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Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell: Words Matter
Not too shabby!
Although many of the names are not surprising, it's still gratifying to see. ...
With Obama at number one and Tom Hanks at number two, the list is rounded out by actor Will Smith (No. 3), Michael Jordan (No. 4), Morgan Freeman (No. 5), Denzel Washington (No. 7), Michelle Obama (No. 8), Oprah Winfrey (No. 9) and Tiger Woods (No. 10).
As a side note, I have to admit that I was a little surprised to see Morgan up there. But then I thought, he is sort of the quintessential older black man isn't he? Honestly, is there a more congenial black man than that Hoke Colburn... I didn't think so.
The DBI is used by brand marketers and advertising agencies to determine a celebrity's ability to influence consumer brand choice and affect purchasing decisions.
The DBI comes out four times a year and lists more than 1,500 celebrities.
Comments: (15)
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By: mkrob.com on 2/10/2009 8:42AM
This is a great list, but I'm kinda surprised to see Michelle Obama above Tiger Woods, he's been putting in more work, but I guess when you are the wife of the first black president, you could surely rise pretty fast.
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By: jp6 on 2/11/2009 8:05PM
Tiger woods influential as a black celebrity in what way? Same for Michael Jordan..Jordan endorsed Hiliary Clinton..same for magic johnson...Tiger woods would never endorse or say anything about anything so his influence is quietly zero.
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By: B. Smith on 2/12/2009 7:22PM
I'm upset that you ( David Brown and some of the responders) have fused "branding", popularity, and influence into one meaning. BRANDING and POPULARITY are co-dependent and may or may NOT have the same kind or scope of influence. Mr. Brown is BRANDING himself ( as an expert on the subject of influence) by ranking these people on their POPULARITY. He needs to study what constitutes INFLUENCE, which is based largely on the ability to CAUSE something to happen. If he did, he would find that numbers 3 through 7 haven't CAUSED anything of social, political, economic, intellectual, etc. significance. They are nice, popular people, who have been branded as influential, but branding andbeing well liked are not a part of the criteria for influence. Obama's right. We need to get back to basics - especially vocabulary, semantics, and knowledge of the language we use to communicate. The inability to understand the ramifications NOT understanding is what got us into some of this mess we're in ( credit card language, house loan contracts, interest rate clauses, etc.). SOME of these people were busy trying to get clarity and help for you, building schools , passing legislation, supporting your cause, pushing information towards you, while others were becoming popular through the brands they promoted. Shame on you for not knowing the difference.
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By: James Goodman on 2/16/2009 1:47PM
The comments by this responder are very cogent and to the point. I admire Will Smith, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields. Beyond their job-related contributions and some secondary contributions in "safe" areas such as education, neither gentleman has engaged the cultural dicussions that significantly determine the opportunity structure which still has not provided full access for all Americans to compete.
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By: steve on 2/16/2009 1:27PM
well said -- great clarity and right on the money!
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By: Jazz on 2/16/2009 10:16AM
a good look..........my first lady and oprah.........nuff said.........
p.s.....tiger does not embrace his blackness!!!
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By: ywci2009 on 2/16/2009 11:52AM
Go Oprah, Go Michelle!
Go Oprah, Go Michelle!
Go Oprah, Go Michelle!
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By: sachet on 2/16/2009 11:56AM
Go Michelle!
Go Oprah!
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By: Allie W Taylor on 2/16/2009 6:55PM
I was born in 1925, we went through back in those days,both white and black. lots of you dont realize that there were a great number of whites that help us fight that fight, so enough already, I have lots of white friends dont chase them with your bragging.
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By: Brandy on 2/16/2009 8:31PM
I cannot for the life of me understand why Black America keep trying to embrace Tiger Woods. He do not embrace his blackness or anything remotely close to being Black or for that matter the man does not even admit to being Black.
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