Have you ever wondered who does those intricate, yet gritty page designs in Rolling Stone Magazine? Who was the PR genius behind Harpo Productions and The Oprah Winfrey Show? The man behind the multicultural division of one of the largest PR firms, Ogilvy & Mather?

In celebration of Black History Month, we are highlighting a few of the top African-American leaders in marketing, PR, and design. Their work inspired millions to be a part of the brands they worked for. They brought new, unfounded ideas that revolutionized the way marketers and consumers think and feel.

With clients from Coca-Cola to IKEA, these iconic black figures – past and present – shook up the marketing world and continue to do so today.

Robin Beaman 

If you watched The Oprah Winfrey Show (YOU GET A CAR!) while it aired, you might not have known about the powerhouse behind Harpo Productions, Inc. Robin Beaman used her magical public relations strategies to make the OWS an international success. Now, she’s president (#girlboss) of Beaman Incorporated, who helps clients like ABC Radio Network, Coca-Cola, and yes, even Angela Bassett.

Sylvia Harris 

Known as a “Citizen Designer,” Sylvia Harris specialized in fantastic design for real people. In the 1980s, she produced groundbreaking work in the digital consumer banking system for Citibank, spurring a new generation of “human-centered automated customer service.” Eventually, Harris became the creative director for the United States Census Bureau and boosted participation. Sadly, she passed away in December 2011.

Gail Anderson

Gail Anderson, a graphic designer based in New York, has done and designed it all. From Rolling Stone Magazine to shows on Broadway, Anderson developed an iconic style of grit and glamor. Her work translates on book jackets, posters, banners and just about anything that needs a little beauty.

Neil Foote 

Best known for his extensive work on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Neil Foote – a Dallas-based PR pro – started his own firm that caters to entertainers, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs. His long list of clients includes Denny’s, African American Museum of Dallas, Rickey Smiley, National Association of Broadcasters and more.

Jeffrey Bowman 

On top of being a chief creative strategist at OgilvyCulture, the multicultural branch of Ogilvy & Mather, Jeffrey Bowman is also an author, a managing director, and the director of Reframe The Brand. Bowman got his start by directing market planning at Sears before moving on to work for Dell, Whirlpool, PepsiCo, Kodak, Stoli, Ikea AND Universal Pictures. Phew.