Tupac Shakur’s powerful poem “The Rose That Grew from Concrete” reminds us that brilliance can emerge even in the harshest conditions—but imagination, resilience, and talent still need space, support, and resources to truly flourish. For people of color and women, that space has too often been denied. They are frequently overlooked, under-resourced, and undervalued, despite their undeniable contributions to the creative and professional world.

For more than half a century, people of color and women have pushed forward in advertising, breaking barriers and redefining culture through their work. Visionaries like Bill Sharp, Sheldon Levy, Jimmy Smith, Keith Cartwright, Tom Burrell, Carol H. Williams, and Shannon Washington have created groundbreaking, award-winning campaigns that shaped the industry—yet true representation, equity, and opportunity remain unfinished work.

During a moment of global uncertainty marked by COVID-19 and profound racial unrest in America, 100 Roses From Concrete answered the call to lead. Like the rose that grew from concrete, the organization emerged with purpose—committed to illuminating possibility in times of darkness, nurturing overlooked talent, and creating pathways where none existed before. Through advocacy, access, and action, 100 Roses continues to prove that when given the right resources, what once struggled to grow can rise, bloom, and change the landscape for generations to come.