Vincent T. Cullers Sr.

A son of the Chicago neighborhood often referred to as Bronzeville, Vince Cullers grew up during the Depression. His parents were Samuel and Letitia Terry Cullers, and he was brought up with love.

He attended DuSable High School and was a member of the football team, a sport that became a lifelong passion. Vince served in the Marines during World War II, and fought for a country in which he was regarded as a second-class citizen. He had many stories of what it was like to fight in the South Pacific. One of his most memorable was meeting a young man named Eugene Barnett, who had a cousin he found extremely attractive, named Marian Barnett. Vince and Marian were joined in Holy Matrimony during the mid-forties and were married over 50 years.

Vince's training at Kling Studios and formal education at The Art Institute of Chicago prepared him to embark in an exciting career in the advertising community. His career was vast and he held many key positions, including Art Director of Ebony Magazine. But his dream was to work at an advertising agency. This seemed like the "Impossible Dream" because it was a time when racism was prevalent, and doors were not easily opened. This would be his motivator and in 1956, he and his wife founded what was to become the first Black full-service agency in the country, Vince Cullers Advertising.

In the 60s, as the Civil Rights Movement became much more militant and erupted in the streets, the corporate world responded by beginning to open some doors in businesses, including advertising. Johnson Products, Lorillard, Illinois Bell, Sears and Bristol-Black Company were among the first companies who wanted to embrace the Black Community in advertising, and they sought VCA to explore this market. Thus, the company's star began to rise. With the advent of Johnson Products' "Soul Train," Vince Cullers entered the world of television advertising. Vince was also very proud of developing a political commentary show for Illinois Bell, known as "Lu's Notebook." This show featured Lu Palmer and aired three times a day on several popular radio stations for approximately 12 years.

In the mid 90s, after several years of trying, Vince was finally able to get one of his favorite programs on the air, "The Black Couch." This program focused on problems facing Black people from a psychological perspective.

Vince's many recognitions and awards include: 4 CEBA awards for advertising excellence; 2 Clios (the Industry's "Oscars"); The Trumpet Award (Turner) for his pioneering efforts; The AAF (American Advertising Federation) Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce; and, most recently, an Operation Breadbasket Founders Award. He was an active member of the 4As (American Advertising Agency of America), and the CAF (Chicago Advertising Federation).

Vince was a member of Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church for 40 years, and served as a Deacon and Elder. He was a member of the Boy Scouts Council, and served on the board for the Chicago Chamber of Commerce.

VCA Agency was the forerunner and inspiration for other African-American owned agencies. After 45 years of creative genius, Vince retired.

Vibce made his transition on Saturday, October 4, 2003. His Parents, Samuel and Letitia; and sibling, Roosevelt and Althea, preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving family: wife Marian; sons Terry and Jeff; grandsons Bryan and Devyn; daughter-in-law Carmelita; brother and sister-in-law Samuel and Gerry Cullers of Sacramento, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loyal and supportive friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cullers Cornerstone Scholarship Foundation, at Seaway National Bank, 645 East 87th Street, Chicago, IL 60619.

Vince's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.