The African American Marketing Association (AAMA) is a Houston-based nonprofit organization established in February 2019 to address gaps in access, representation, and opportunity for Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs through education, community, and economic development. This page is designed for you to learn more about AAMA from our mission, membership, programs, and more.
What is the African American Marketing Association (AAMA)?
The African American Marketing Association (AAMA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and elevating Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs. We do this through professional development, community building, and access to opportunity.
Who is the African American Marketing Association for?
The African American Marketing Association serves:
- Black marketing professionals at all career stages
- Creative entrepreneurs and freelancers
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs
- Students and career-transitioners entering the marketing industry.
Whether you work in corporate, agency, nonprofit, or own a business, AAMA is designed to support your growth.
How is the African American Marketing Association different from other marketing associations?
We are not a traditional marketing association, at AAMA:
- We focus on community, with a strong emphasis on workforce and economic development, and incorporate cultural elements for added fun.
- We serve professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
- We provide marketing education with real-world execution and community conversations.
- We prioritize representation, visibility, leadership, and economic development.
Is the African American Marketing Association only for Black marketers?
No. While we center and elevate Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, all allies who support our mission are welcome to become members, attend events, and sponsor. Our work focuses on equity, access, and excellence in marketing.
Where is the African American Marketing Association located?
AAMA is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with a growing national and digital community serving members across the United States.
When was the African American Marketing Association founded?
The African American Marketing Association was founded in February 2019 in Houston, TX. AAMA was created to educate, empower, and elevate Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs through community and professional development.
Who started the African American Marketing Association?
The African American Marketing Association was founded by Michelle Ngome, a marketing leader and community builder focused on advancing education, opportunity, and representation for Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
Why was the African American Marketing Association created?
The African American Marketing Association was created to build a collaborative ecosystem where Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs can grow skills, expand networks, and access opportunities often unavailable through traditional marketing associations.
What problem does the African American Marketing Association solve?
The African American Marketing Association addresses gaps in access to education, resources, opportunity, and representation for Black marketers, creatives, and entrepreneurs by providing practical training, community, and visibility within the marketing industry.
What benefits do AAMA members receive?
AAMA members receive access to:
- Educational workshops and training programs
- Networking events and community meetups
- Career and business resources
- Visibility opportunities and member spotlights
- Discounts on signature events and programs
Membership is designed to provide practical value, whether in-person or virtual.
How much does the African American Marketing Association membership cost?
AAMA membership serves professionals, nonprofits, agencies, and small business owners. Our membership cost is affordable and accessible, with monthly and annual options available. Current pricing and benefits are listed on the membership page of the website.
What industries do the African American Marketing Association members work in?
AAMA members work across various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, creative services, nonprofit, media, education, and consumer brands, reflecting the diverse roles marketing plays across the economy.
Does the African American Marketing Association focus on corporate professionals or entrepreneurs?
AAMA intentionally serves both. The organization bridges corporate marketing careers and entrepreneurship by offering resources that support professional advancement and business growth.
Does AAMA offer programs for small business owners?
Yes. AAMA has introduced a membership for agency and small business owners, called Business Builders. The Builder's Collective has programs specifically designed for agency and small business owners, including marketing bootcamps, workshops, and other events.
What is the Business of Marketing Bootcamp (BOMB)?
The Business of Marketing Bootcamp is a no-cost 12-week program curated by AAMA designed for small business owners to receive marketing training, tools, and support to grow their businesses.
Does AAMA host events and conferences?
Yes. We host a mix of in-person and virtual events:
- Educational workshops and panels
- Community & Culture Coffee Chat and Happy Hour.
- The Marketing For The Culture Summit is held in June, in Houston, TX
Events are offered both in-person and virtually. Visit the AAMA Events page for updates.
What is Marketing For The Culture?
Marketing For The Culture is AAMA’s content and event platform highlighting Black marketing leaders, industry insights, and cultural impact through podcasts, events, and curated conversations. We have the Marketing For The Culture Podcast and the Marketing For The Culture Summit.
Does AAMA offer certifications or credentials?
Yes, AAMA offers skill-based training and certificates of completion for select programs, such as Grow With Google.
Can companies or brands partner with the African American Marketing Association?
Absolutely. AAMA partners with corporations, agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions through sponsorships, workforce and economic development initiatives, and community programs. If you would like to receive our partnership deck, please send an email to info@aa-ma.org.
How can my company support the African American Marketing Association?
Companies can support AAMA by:
- Sponsoring programs or events such as BOMB, MFTC Summit, and more.
- Participating as a speaker or providing educational resources
- Supporting our workforce and economic development, and other initiatives
- General engagement with the AAMA community
Moreover, partnership opportunities can be customized and impact-driven.
Does AAMA offer volunteer or leadership opportunities?
Yes. AAMA offers volunteer and board leadership opportunities for professionals who want to contribute their skills, expand their network, and help shape the future of the organization.
Is the African American Marketing Association a nonprofit organization?
Yes. AAMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on education, workforce development, and economic empowerment through marketing.
How can I join the African American Marketing Association?
You can join AAMA by visiting the membership page on the website and selecting the option that best fits your goals.
Does AAMA provide career support?
Yes. AAMA supports career growth through:
- We post jobs on the AAMA Career Board and AAMA LinkedIn page
- Professional development programming
- Industry insights and thought leadership
- Networking with peers and leaders
- Visibility and recognition opportunities
How can I stay connected with AAMA?
You can stay connected by:
- Becoming an AAMA member
- Attending AAMA events
- Subscribing to the newsletter
- Following AAMA on social media
Is AAMA a national or local organization?
While headquartered in Houston, Texas, AAMA operates as a national organization with virtual programming and members located across the United States.
Does AAMA have chapters?
No, currently we do not have chapters. In the future, we plan on hosting pop-ups in preferred cities based on membership and interests.
Is the African American Marketing Association affiliated with the American Marketing Association?
No. The African American Marketing Association is an independent nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with the American Marketing Association or its local chapters.
How is AAMA funded?
AAMA is funded through a combination of memberships, program revenue, sponsorships, grants, and partnerships that support its educational and community initiatives.