Bob Giraldi and Verizon make History with J. Ivy

Bob Giraldi has directed "History in the Making," a special cinema spot for Verizon, airing in select cities across the country. It's part of Verison's new community-support advertising campaign featuring J. Ivy, the New Age spoken-word poet, who encourages African-Americans to make history every day because "history is more than a memory; it's a movement, an act by certain individuals, who have found the ability to make time stand still."

"Bob captured more than the the powerful words of J. Ivy's work," said Lewis Williams, EVP/Chief Creative, Burrell Communications. "He captured the soul of the campaign."

"Watching J. Ivy work was watching an incredible young talent creating truly Black History, music history, contemporary history - and more," said Giraldi of the experience.

"We chose Bob Giraldi to direct this cinema spot for our campaign because he's a master at capturing raw energy," said Deirdre Robinson director of brand marketing at Verizon. "Bob's work was exceptional and he communicated the intensity of J. Ivy's passion and spirit."

The campaign - using print, radio and online media - began January 15, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, and will continue through February, Black History Month. In alignment with Verizon's mission to promote education and literacy, the entire campaign centers around the powerful "History in the Making" poem written by Ivy.

Ivy has appeared on the HBO Def Poetry Series, and is featured on the albums of platinum- and Grammy-winning artists, such as Jay-Z and Kanye West. Ivy's performance of "History in the Making" can be experienced at www.verizon.com/makeyourhistory. The site also encourages people of all races to tell Verizon how they or someone they know is making a difference, making a statement or doing something memorable.

The campaign is the latest extension in a series of community-support initiatives sponsored by Verizon. Since 2003, the Verizon Foundation has donated more than $55 million to nonprofit and charitable organizations that benefited the African-American community.