"... Memory is the selection of images Some illusive others printed indelibly on the Brain Each image is like a thread each thread is woven together To make a Tapestry of intricate textures and the Tapestry tells a Story…
"Eves Bayou"
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The Tapestry tells a story and adds the 4th Dimension to our research approach. A new narrative in research shattering heretofore taboos, because its personal. We have learned and identified more about urban market trends from our personal and family histories than any other technique. For example, to really understand Hip-hop culture and trends, you have to go back to the Be-Bop era and 1940's and 1950's minimally. Want to understand why the Hip-hop culture is such a trend leader in so many consumer goods categories, we found out by talking with our mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles.
Method/Personal
Oral histories and stories are not typically utilized in most market research studies. Our research in this area uses oral history and both new and old recorded media audio, video, photographs, recorded music, as well as period nonfiction and fictional literature. By using personal and family histories we add a greater longitudinal track (50+ years) to our research and trends. During the first half of the 20th century, there was not a lot of critical attention and documentation payed to African American market as consumers or audiences in the U.S. It was not until Moss Kendricks and the founding of the National Association of Market Developers (NAMD) did African-Americans begin to receive critical attention and study as consumer and urban markets. W.G. Smith & Associates LLC continues this trend-setting approach in relation to the mainstream and urban marketplace.