Detroit’s 98Forward Welcomes Brittni “Bee” Brown to Lead Public Relations and Events

Brittni “Bee” Brown’s appointment as senior director of public relations and events at 98Forward is not just a promotion—it’s a declaration of what leadership looks like when Black women take their rightful place at the helm. Michigan’s largest Black-owned and woman-led public relations agency has entrusted one of Detroit’s most accomplished publicists to carry forward a legacy of storytelling that amplifies voices often relegated to the margins. For Brown, this role isn’t merely just another step in her career; for her it’s a homecoming to a city and a community that shaped her purpose. 

Since founding The Bee Agency in 2011, Brown has established herself as a trusted architect of impactful narratives. Her work with iconic brands like Detroit Vs. Everybody and The Lip Bar has consistently centered the cultural power of Black creativity, resilience, and excellence. These brands are movements that challenge perceptions, shift culture, and demand visibility. That’s the same energy she now brings to 98Forward, an agency with deep roots in Detroit and an unwavering commitment to using communications as a tool for equity and transformation. 

 

“I am deeply honored to join 98Forward, an agency built on the extraordinary legacy of visionary Black women like Marilyn Horn and Georgella Muirhead,” Brown shared. “As a Black woman, it is a privilege to step into this role and continue their groundbreaking work of shaping narratives that matter. This opportunity allows me to collaborate with an exceptional team to amplify the voices of brands and organizations driving cultural impact, equity, and innovation, ensuring their stories inspire action and leave a lasting legacy.” 

 

Brown’s words hold weight, particularly in Detroit, a city with a long history of being both a cradle for Black innovation and a battleground for racial and economic justice. Her appointment is a testament to 98Forward’s understanding that representation at the top matters. It’s a reminder that when Black women lead, the work is infused with authenticity, cultural nuance, and a commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard—not just the loudest or most resourced. 

 

Founded in 1998 by Georgella Muirhead and Bob Berg as Berg Muirhead and Associates, the agency has always been about serving the community through communications. When Muirhead and Berg passed the leadership baton to Marilyn Horn, the agency’s evolution into 98Forward signified more than a name change. It marked a renewed focus on storytelling as a vehicle for social change.

 

 

Under Horn’s leadership, the agency has worked with more than 200 clients across industries, from government to healthcare to entertainment, always bringing the same level of care and expertise to every campaign. 

Horn spoke to the significance of Brown’s addition, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Brittni to the 98Forward family. Her proven track record in strategic communications aligns with our mission and core principles to do exceptional work for our clients. We are confident her leadership will drive significant growth for 98Forward, including expanding our client services and enhancing our reputation as a leading voice in the industry.” 

 

This partnership between Horn and Brown symbolizes what can happen when Black women work together to push boundaries. It’s a synergy rooted in shared experience, mutual respect, and a collective vision for what is possible when equity is at the forefront. For Brown, stepping into this role means standing on the shoulders of giants like Muirhead and Horn while carving out new paths for the agency and the community it serves. 

“Adding Brittni to the team is exciting and aligned with the strategic business growth vision we have set for the agency,” said Antonice Strickland, vice president of public relations and business development. “98Forward is uniquely positioned and continues to create impactful results for our clients, and adding Brittni’s expertise, creative vision, and proven track record of elevating brands will enable us to amplify even more voices, expand our reach, and continue delivering positive outcomes for our clients.” 

The excitement is well-founded. Brown’s career has been defined by her ability to see the bigger picture while never losing sight of the details that make stories resonate. Her approach is not about creating buzz for the sake of visibility; it’s about crafting narratives that matter, that move people, and that lead to action. That’s why her work has been so effective, whether she’s elevating local artists or shaping campaigns for nationally recognized brands. It’s also why her leadership at 98Forward feels like a natural extension of the agency’s mission. 

 

As 98Forward continues to expand, its commitment to centering diverse voices remains unwavering. The agency’s recent work—from supporting Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield’s 2025 mayoral campaign to amplifying the vision of Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden—underscores its role as a cornerstone of communications for the region’s most impactful leaders and organizations. By bringing Brown on board, 98Forward is doubling down on its promise to deliver not just results but transformation. 

 

Brown’s arrival also speaks to a broader shift within the PR industry, where the presence of Black women at decision-making tables is still too rare. Her role as senior director is a reminder that representation is much more than optics, it’s solely about outcomes. When Black women lead, the stories that get told are richer, more authentic, and more reflective of the communities they come from. They are stories that challenge stereotypes, celebrate resilience, and demand justice. That’s what 98Forward has always been about, and it’s what Brown’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to amplify. 

 

The stakes are high, but so is the potential. Detroit is a city that knows how to fight for its future, and 98Forward is an agency that understands how to harness that energy for good. With Brown at the helm of public relations and events, the agency is poised to not only expand its reach but also deepen its impact. Her appointment is much greater than a professional milestone it’s a victory for every Black woman who has ever been told to shrink, to stay in her lane, or to wait her turn. It’s proof that the lanes are ours to create, the turns are ours to take, and the stories are ours to tell. 

 

This moment is about legacy, but it’s also about the future. It’s about what happens when Black women are given the resources and the platform to lead without compromise. It’s about the power of community, the strength of collaboration, and the magic that happens when we refuse to settle for anything less than excellence. With Brittni Brown leading the way, 98Forward is not just moving forward—it’s paving the way for others to follow.