Angela Bassett Narrates ‘Black Explorer’ TV Spot
Photo: Ford Motor Company
In 2019, you have to take joy anywhere you can get it. Seeing Angela Bassett, an actress whose talents and value are somewhat underappreciated, get those sweet Ford bucks and promote positivity at the same time? That’s cause for some semblance of joy. After starring in “The Essence of Pride” earlier this year, Bassett lent her voice to “Black Explorer,” a 30-second TV spot that stars Travel Channel host Kellee Edwards, the city of Chicago, and the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer.
Watch: Black Explorer TV Spot | 2020 Ford Explorer Commercial
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“Black Explorer” opens on a shot of a bust of Chicago city founder Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the founder of Chicago. The connection is drawn between du Sable, an explorer in his own right; Edwards, who herself was born in Chicago; and the new Explorer, which is built at Chicago Assembly. The spot reveals the ostensible slogan of the 2020 Ford Explorer — “When exploration is what you do, this is what you drive” — as well as Ford’s decision to market it as the greatest exploration vehicle of all time.
In the commercial, Edwards is seen driving an Iconic Silver 2020 Ford Explorer ST, which also so happens to be the most powerful Explorer ever built. It boasts a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque as well as a 143-mph top speed, making it Ford’s greatest performance SUV of all time as well. Edwards’ Explorer ST also features wireless charging and the Premium Technology Package, which includes a 10.1-inch LCD capacitive portrait touchscreen as well as Active Motion front seats and a 14-speaker B&O Sound System.
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Though Multicultural Marketing Communications Manager Dibrie Guerrero says that the ad is primarily meant to demonstrate the authenticity and adaptability of the Explorer to black customers, the YouTube comments section proves to be quite diverse. Most notably, there’s this comment, which is worth sharing with you absolutely apropos of nothing.
Get well soon, Kathy! Hope you get the music back.
Kyle S. Johnson lives in Cincinnati, a city known by many as “the Cincinnati of Southwest Ohio.” He enjoys professional wrestling, Halloween, and also other things. He has been writing for a while, and he plans to continue to write well into the future. See more articles by Kyle.