Sean "Diddy" Combs and CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka Launch Newest #CIROCStands Campaign, Amplifying True Stories of Remarkable Black Chicagoans

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Black Excellence Month, CÎROC and Sean "Diddy" Combs are proud to unveil the newest iteration of their ongoing community-centric platform #CIROCStands, an initiative that supports Black and Brown voices through original video spotlights, visuals and billboards, sharing inspirational true stories of progress, achievement and success.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9014651-ciroc-cirocstands-campaign-celebrates-black-excellence-in-chicago/

The next leg of the campaign takes the #CIROCStands mission to Chicago, the windy city known for its entrepreneurial spirit and hometown pride, where it will be amplifying the success stories of four trailblazing Black Chicagoans. Teaming up with former Chicago basketball player Joakim Noah, media personality Angela Yee returns to highlight the bold and ambitious spirit of these local voices, sharing their unique stories in their own words.

"I'm so thrilled that I got the chance to interview these remarkable Chi-town heroes," says Angela Yee. "They're making such a profound impact in their communities, providing inspiration to future generations and even this generation. According to NBC News, American Black business owners increased by a staggering 38 percent from February 2020 to August 2021. I think it's the perfect time to share these stories of Black excellence with our community so that even more people can realize that their dreams are within reach."

"As someone who's made Chicago home over the years, I've always been proud of how much Chicagoans support their own and continue to build the Black community," says Joakim Noah. "These community leaders, each of whom has carved out their own individual paths to find success here in Chicago, should inspire others to think creatively, work tirelessly and seize their destinies by establishing their own businesses in their own communities."

"The stories of Black Excellence shared by these trailblazers are so incredibly inspiring and uplifting," said Adrienne Cuschieri, Brand Director of CÎROC. "Through #CIROCStands, we are able to amplify these stories to the world and hope these examples of vision and ambition showcase that Black Excellence is something to be celebrated and acknowledged all year round."

"CÎROCStands is not a moment, it is a movement," says Alaina Long, Vice President, Global Marketing, Combs Enterprises, Spirits. "This program has evolved with the needs of our community, and we are proud to support entrepreneurs and businesses that represent our consumers."

The Chicago profiles include:

-          Ian Gonzalez of Last Lap Cornerstore. Southside native and resident owns Last Lap Cornerstore, the first and only Black and LatinX-owned running store on the South Side that's quickly become a fixture in the community. Through his passion for running, Ian creates accessibility to nutrition and proper running gear for Black and Brown runners.
-          Danielle Mullen of Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery. Danielle is the mastermind behind Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery, Chicago's largest Black-woman-owned bookstore and gallery. Originally from Florida, she's made a home in Chicago and uses her passion for books to increase the literacy rate in Chicago, creating a space that nurtures the connection between literature, art, and the pursuit of knowledge, to share Black stories and Black voices.
-          Midge Welch of Issues Barber and Beauty Salon. Midge grew up around the corner from the salon she now proudly owns in the South Loop, which serves up culture, community, and cuts.  An inspiration for Black women in the community, Midge has dedicated 17+ years to building an experience for Black men and that feels welcoming, while making people feel beautiful through her unique cuts, styles, and conversations.
-          Darris Kelly and Sabrian Sledge of Flee Club Chicago. Best friends Darris and Sabrian own Flee Club, a sneaker and fashion boutique located in the heart of Chicago that specializes in rare shoes and apparel. What started as a side hustle to sell unique, used sneakers is now a brick and mortar and hailed "the best consignment shop in Chicago." Originally from the West Side, the owners always had an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for their community, making the perfect home for Flee Club right in Chicago, showing that you can overcome trials and find success despite your environment.

To learn more about the #CIROCStands platform, the featured voices and their businesses, visit @CIROC on Instagram.

About CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka
CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka is gluten-free and distilled from fine French grapes; a process inspired by over a century of wine-making expertise and craftsmanship, providing a crisp, clean taste and citrus nose. Launched nationwide in January 2003, DIAGEO – the world's largest spirits and beer company – made spirits history in October 2007 by entering into a strategic alliance with entertainment entrepreneur Sean Diddy Combs, in which Mr. Combs and Combs Enterprises assumed the lead on all brand management activities for CÎROC. The flavor portfolio includes CÎROC RED BERRY, CÎROC COCONUT, CÎROC PEACH, CÎROC PINEAPPLE, CÎROC APPLE, CÎROC MANGO and CÎROC SUMMER WATERMELON. In June 2018, Sean Diddy Combs and Makers of CÎROC entered the brown spirits category with the introduction of CÎROC VS, Fine French Brandy. Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to enjoy.

About DIAGEO North America
DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about DIAGEO, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO'S global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow at Twitter and Instagram for news and information about DIAGEO North America: @Diageo_NA.

About Combs Spirits
Combs Spirits (CS) is a privately owned, premium spirits company created by Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2013. The company co-owns DeLeón Tequila and is responsible for all strategic marketing for CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, both in partnership with Diageo. CS is focused on delivering high impact growth driven product development strategies that promote a healthy business structure while highlighting social responsibility - and has become known for its bold business moves, energetic marketing and history-making success.

SOURCE CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka