The efforts of Council Members Michael D. Polensek, Ward 11; Nina Turner, Ward 1; and Phyllis Cleveland, Ward 5, along with the community, were successful in quickly causing an inappropriate Seagram's Gin billboard on E. 185 th Street at Hiller Avenue to be replaced.  

The questionable billboard pictured a caricature of a young African-American woman claiming "I bring DOPE style and laughs – What do you bring to the party?"   

Community outrage and the quick response of Council Members to this message glorifying a sub-culture of violence, disorder and disrespect, referencing drug usage and exploiting women, caused the billboard to be replaced within 24 hours.

"Seagram's Gin takes pride in being a responsible marketer and we take the concerns raised by Councilman Polensek very seriously.  We appreciated him bringing these concerns to our attention and we have acted as quickly as possible to remove the ad in question from the billboard," said Mark Orr, Vice President of Public Policy for Pernod Ricard USA, Seagram's parent company.

The new billboard put up by Clear Channel delivers a welcome and positive message: "Be your kids' biggest fan.   Get them to graduate." 

"I thank Seagram's and Clear Channel for responding to concern and erecting a new billboard that promotes education and the importance of graduating from high school," said Councilman Polensek.   "This truly was an example of residents and businesses coming together to say we expect better in our neighborhoods.  It goes to show that when we come together we can make a difference." 

"The success of this effort proves that the community does have the power to make change," said Councilwoman Turner.   "We must continue to come together and work for what we believe is right, fair and equitable."  

* Pictures of the Seagram's and replacement billboards are attached.