Wal-Mart Honors African-American History

During the month of February, Wal-Mart once again presents a nationwide program in celebration of Black History Month. For the fifth consecutive year, Wal-Mart shoppers will have the chance to take home free copies of unique, inspiring and educational publications for entire families to enjoy and treasure.

“At Wal-Mart, we celebrate diversity 365 days a year,” said Esther Silver-Parker, vice president diversity relations. “We are proud to offer these special publications in honor of Black History Month, to provide a combination of information and inspiration as well as useful and practical resources to empower families to chart their history and preserve their heritage.”

For 2005, these publications include the all-new “Profiles in Pride” booklet featuring prominent African Americans who have made significant contributions to society. Now in its fifth year of publication, “Profiles in Pride” presents stories of traditions, dreams and success. Each African American featured in the booklet shares his or her story of achievement, as well as a favorite family recipe.

More than 8 million copies of these publications have been distributed throughout the country and have featured such prominent individuals as Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, Andrew Young, Coretta Scott King and Dr. Ben Carson. This year’s booklet includes Judge Nathaniel R. Jones, Patti LaBelle and Gunion ‘Guy’ Bluford among others. Made possible by contributions from Kraft Foods, the booklet is distributed free (while quantities last) from Kraft Black History Month displays in more than 3000 Wal-Mart stores throughout the country in February 2005. The booklet can also be seen on walmartstores.com during February.

Also new this year is the exciting “Milestones in History” Timeline. This keepsake piece is likely to become one of the most requested publications in the program’s history. The over-sized timeline will unfold to nearly five feet in length and will surely be displayed in homes and classrooms alike to show a proud history. One side of the “Milestones in History” Timeline highlights African-American political and social history as well as scientific and cultural milestones. The reverse side features a family heritage timeline that members of all generations can fill in to honor their own history with meaningful milestones and memories. Sponsored by Colgate Palmolive, the timeline is available free in selected Wal-Mart stores.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM’S CLUB locations in the United States. Internationally, the company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company’s securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.

Simmons Lathan Media Group Brings the Vision and Determination of the Most Inspiring Contemporary African Americans to DVD February 2005

Simmons Lathan Media Group (SLMG), a leading producer and distributor of urban themed media content, today announced it will bring the vision and determination of the most inspiring contemporary African Americans to DVD in February 2005 by releasing the Russell Simmons Higher Self DVD Series: The HistoryMakers on Faith, The HistoryMakers on Courage, The HistoryMakers on Success. This compelling new DVD documentary series was developed in collaboration with The HistoryMakers, the largest national non-profit organization dedicated to recording and preserving the personal histories of well-known African Americans. Written, directed, and co-produced by new Def Filmmaker Nancy Oey, The HistoryMakers DVD Series is the most comprehensive collection of first hand accounts and archival footage of contemporary African American high achievers ever produced, and offers a groundbreaking look at triumph over prejudice, illness, self-doubt, and poverty.

“The Russell Simmons Higher Self Series is dedicated to featuring the best in independent filmmaking and The HistoryMakers stories represents the kind of strength and perseverance that audiences will find inspiring,” said Will Griffin, president of SLMG.

In the new DVD series, HistoryMaker multi-Grammy winning Isaac Hayes discusses what inspired him to pursue a music career; best-selling author Terry McMillan speaks candidly about the obstacles she overcame to get her best-selling books on store shelves; and compelling interviews with contemporary African Americans like Gordon Parks, Sonia Sanchez, Maxine Waters, Harry Belafonte, BB King, and Vernon Jordon among others offer powerful insights into courage, faith, and success.

Release And Distribution Details
The Russell Simmons Higher Self DVD Series — The HistoryMakers on Faith, The HistoryMakers on Courage, The HistoryMakers on Success — is being distributed by Image Entertainment, and will be released February 15, 2005. Each title in the three part DVD series will retail separately for $14.99.

Castrol Adds ‘Flex Appeal’ Through Partnership With Hip Hop Car Culture Icon

He’s a radio DJ who delivers Hip Hop hits people want to hear. He’s a TV show host with a magnetic personality. He’s a car club founder, racing series organizer, business entrepreneur, and trendsetter. He’s Funkmaster Flex and, with an exclusive partnership with BP Lubricants USA, Inc. announced today, he’s now an advocate for Castrol(R) SYNTEC(R), the full synthetic motor oil that outperforms all leading oils.

Castrol SYNTEC is teaming up with Funkmaster Flex to put the esteemed motor oil brand in front of his devoted fan base and millions of young men and women who are passionate about making vehicles more stylish, more powerful, and better performing. As part of a two-year sponsorship, Castrol SYNTEC becomes the exclusive motor oil for all properties operated by Funkmaster Flex’s business entity, Team Baurtwell. Through the partnership, Castrol SYNTEC receives TV, radio, print, Internet and photographic rights for a variety of advertising and promotional initiatives, as well as a significant presence on Flex’s Web sites.

Initial marketing plans include Castrol SYNTEC product and logo placements on “Ride With Funkmaster Flex” and the “Funkmaster Flex Super Series,” both auto-performance-inspiring shows that air on Spike TV. Castrol SYNTEC plans to run 30-second advertising spots on “Ride With Funkmaster Flex” during each new episode of the season. A custom Castrol SYNTEC car will be designed and featured on Flex’s TV show, and shown throughout his “Celebrity Car Show Tour,” a traveling car/music show that stops at more than 10 cities throughout America and attracts thousands of participants. Flex will also make personal appearances to support the Castrol SYNTEC brand, as well as help inspire the next generation of automotive technicians through the Castrol SYNTEC Outperformers scholarship program.

“Funkmaster Flex is committed to spreading enthusiasm and passion for automotive power, performance and style by introducing aspects of car culture to new audiences of young people across the country,” said Mike DeBiasi, Castrol SYNTEC brand manager. “Flex’s automotive expertise, passion, and excitement for finely tuned and customized vehicles is inspiring and we’re thrilled to forge this partnership with him, putting our premium, highest performing motor oil brand — Castrol SYNTEC — alongside his highly acclaimed shows, events and fans.” The wide-ranging deal was negotiated by DeBiasi and Ken Brooks, of branded entertainment firm, CAE Group Inc. Financial terms were not disclosed.

(via PRNewsWire)

Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri to Co-host Willie Gary Celebrity Scholarship Party during Super Bowl XXXIX

Actress/Entertainer Janet Jackson and super producer Jermaine Dupri team up with famed attorney and Chairman of the Black Family Channel, Willie E. Gary, to host the Willie Gary Celebrity Scholarship Party during the Super Bowl XXXIX festivities in Jacksonville, Florida. This star studded affair will be held Saturday, February 5, 2005 beginning at 9:00 p.m. at the Aetna Building located at 841 Prudential Drive in Jacksonville.

Special invited guests include: Magic Johnson, Bow Wow, Sam Madison, Evander Holyfield, Tommy Ford, Oscar De La Hoya and others who support the mission and fundraising efforts of the Willie E. Gary Classic Foundation. The Black Family Channel is the marquee sponsor for this event. Tickets may be purchased at http://www.ticketannex.com or by telephone at 866-4MY TIXS. For general event information please call 904-353-3008.

Many celebrity guests will also be joining Willie E. Gary at the “Dream Big Dreams” Role Model Day at Raines High School, February 4, 2005, in Jacksonville, Florida. Gary hopes to motivate students to strive for academic excellence as they prepare for the FCAT.

“I am extremely proud of the ways in which we are able to positively impact the lives of youth in our communities,” stated Gary. “After all, our children are our most valuable resource and it is our duty to invest in their future,” Gary continued.

The Willie E. Gary Football Classic is more than a game; it is about the game of life. The organization is dedicated to helping close the education gap, and empowering students with the necessary tools and resources to attain a higher education. Annual programs include: the Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest and luncheon, back to school campaign, Pre-SAT Workshop, and a higher education recruiting fair.

via PRNewsWire

Don Cheadle Calls For Help In The Sudan

Actor Don Cheadle, right, star of the film “Hotel Rwanda”, speaks at a news conference with members of Congress (l to r) Rep. Barbara Lee, (D-Calif.), Rep. Betty McCollum, (D-Minn.), and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio) who took a trip with Cheadle to the Darfur region of Sudan, on January 27, 2005 in Washington, DC. The delegation is calling for bipartisan action to stop genocide in the region.

Don Cheadle was nominated as Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in “Hotel Rwanda”. The 77th Annual Academy Awards are set to air in February 2005.

(Photo by Matthew T. Cavanaugh/Getty Images)

Diana Ross Launches New MAC Products

Singer Diana Ross and John Demsey, Global President of MAC Cosmetics, speak to the media during the launch of her new “MAC Beauty Icon Series 2 Collection” at the MAC Cosmetics store January 20, 2005 in Beverly Hills, California.

This is not Diana Ross’ first foray into the fashion and cosmetics industry. In 1983 she introduced a line of pantyhose called “Diana Ross Ultra Sheers”. Diana Ross was honoured by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1993 as the most successful female singer of all time.

(Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)

The Year of The Foxx; Jamie Foxx Gets 2 Oscar Nods

Comedian turned serious actor Jamie Foxx received two nods in today Oscar nominee announcements. Jamie is up for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of the legendary Ray Charles in the movie “Ray”. He is up against Don Cheadle, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Clint Eastwood. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Collateral”.

Another notable nominee announcement in the Best Documentary Feature category was the film “Tupac: Resurrection”. The film gives a snapshot into the life and times of the late Tupac Shakur.

Pictured: US actor and musician Jamie Foxx celebrates his Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his performance in “Ray” at the 62nd annual Golden Globe Awards show 16 January 2005 in Beverly Hills.
(Photo credit HECTOR MATA/AFP/Getty Images)

Actor Lamont Bentley Dies In Car Crash

Popular sit-com actor Lamont Bentley was killed in a car crash according to his manager as cited in various sources. Bentley died Tuesday night when his vehicle reportedly plunged off of a San Diego Freeway. He was the only person in the vehicle.

Bentley’s name may not have been exceedingly popular but his face was; starring as ‘Hakeem’ in the long running UPN sitcom Moesha, Bentley was in many ways the funny man and comic relief of the show. He also played roles in movies such as “Tales From The Hood”, “South Central”, “The Wash”, and even played the late Tupac Shakur in a made for television movie about the life and times of MC Hammer.

Bentley was born October, 25th 1973 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His career in acting started when his mother, an aspiring singer, moved to the Los Angeles area.

(Photo By Getty Images)

Aflac Incorporated Pledges $1 Million in Support of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation

Aflac Incorporated announced a gift of $1 million toward the construction of a national memorial commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Aflac Chairman and CEO, Dan Amos made the announcement during his presentation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award at the 19th annual MLK Unity Breakfast held at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

“We must always remember the magnitude of Dr. King’s contribution to this country,” Amos said. “Aflac is proud to support the building of the King Memorial as a tribute to Dr. King’s untiring work for social change. This project is a wonderful way to honor his legacy and the sacrifices he made.”

Following more than 10 years of lobbying before Congress, Public Law 104-333 was passed in 1996 authorizing the collection of funds to construct a national monument in Washington, DC honoring the revered civil rights leader. Chartered in 1998, the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation has raised more than $33 million toward construction of the memorial. In support of its crusade, the organization will launch a new media campaign in February, featuring Tavis Smiley, Morgan Freeman, and other celebrities in radio and television PSAs.

“The Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation is honored to accept this significant gift from Aflac. This organization has shown its commitment to sustaining the legacy of Dr. King, as well as his vision for America, by honoring him with this substantial contribution toward the Memorial Project,” said Foundation President, Harry E. Johnson.

The landscaped memorial covering a four-acre triangle will be built on the National Mall and located on the shore of Washington’s Tidal Basin. The monument will be constructed between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and next to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. The memorial is envisioned as a quiet and receptive space, yet powerful and emotionally evocative, reflecting the spirit of the message Dr. King delivered and the role he played in society.

The groundbreaking is scheduled for December 2006 with a goal of dedicating the Memorial in December 2008.

In 2002, Aflac donated $1 million to the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) is an international holding company. A Fortune 500 company, Aflac insures more than 40 million people worldwide. It is a leading writer of insurance products marketed at the worksite in the United States, offering policies to employees at more than 312,900 payroll accounts. The company insures one out of four Japanese households and is the largest life insurer in Japan in terms of individual insurance policies in force. In January 2004, Aflac was named to Forbes magazine’s “Platinum 400 List of America’s Best Big Companies” for the fifth consecutive year. In March 2004, Fortune magazine included Aflac in its annual listing of “America’s Most Admired Companies.” Aflac’s Internet address is aflac.com.

via PRNewswire

$2 Million in Sallie Mae Fund Scholarships Available for Low Income and Minority Students

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, announced today that it will award more than $2 million in college-access scholarships for the 2005-2006 academic year. The scholarships target under served populations in an effort to increase access to higher education. Applications are now available online at http://www.salliemaefund.org.

The Sallie Mae Fund’s scholarship programs for minority and under-served students include:

* The Sallie Mae Fund First in My Family(R) Scholarship Program: The Sallie Mae Fund developed the First in My Family program in partnership with the Hispanic College Fund to offer scholarships to Hispanic American students who are first in their family to attend college. Selected students receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000. Application deadline: April 15

* The Sallie Mae Fund Unmet Need Scholarship Program: The Unmet Need Scholarship Program is intended to help financial aid officers meet the needs of full-time undergraduate students whose financial aid packages fall short by $1,000 or more. Open to families with a combined income of less than $30,000, Unmet Need scholarships provide a “last dollar” resource when no other funds are available. Application deadline: May 31

* The Sallie Mae Fund American Dream Scholarship Program: Developed in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, the American Dream program offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 for African-American students with demonstrated financial need. Application deadline: April 15

* The Sallie Mae 911 Education Fund: Created in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the 911 Education Fund provides scholarship dollars to children of those who were killed or permanently disabled in the attacks. Application deadline: Open

In addition, The Sallie Mae Fund awards scholarships to future college students at each of its nationwide “Paying for College” workshops. In 2004, more than 30,000 people attended some 150 workshops across the United States as part of The Sallie Mae Fund’s Paying for College tour. Approximately $170,000 in scholarships was awarded to future college students who attended the workshops.

To be eligible for The Sallie Mae Fund scholarship programs, students must be accepted and enrolled at a Title IV eligible, accredited postsecondary two- or four year college or university, vocational, or technical school in the United States or Puerto Rico, and meet program-specific eligibility requirements.

To access applications for The Sallie Mae Fund’s scholarship programs, visit http://www.salliemaefund.org.

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission — to increase access to a postsecondary education for America’s students — by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can.

via PRNEWSWIRE

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