Hip-Hop Summit Action Network Welcomes Free as Co-moderator for the 2007 ‘Get Your Money Right’ Financial Empowerment Tour

Free, hip-hop television personality and philanthropist, joins the 2007 “Get Your Money Right” financial empowerment national tour as co-moderator. The former co-host of Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) highly popular, award-winning “106 & Park” daily hip-hop program is joining forces with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to motivate and encourage young people to become financially literate. Joining moderator Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Co-Chairman of HSAN, Free will help to lead the panel discussion at each Hip-Hop Summit this year.

“I am extremely excited and honored to be a part of this year’s HSAN movement,” declared Free. “I applaud Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and HSAN for historically and consistently focusing their energies on the pulse of our social issues. I know what some of you are thinking…’ What exactly is financial literacy? How and where do you get it?’ More important, ‘How do you keep it?’ Well, in our communities across the nation, the misunderstanding of what exactly Financial Empowerment can and should mean, continues. We shall set out to inform our audiences (YOU) at these Summits about becoming ‘financially literate’ and remaining ‘financially sound’. P.S. Real Talk y’all…I’m coming to learn, too, so let’s get empowered TOGETHER! See you there!”

Including Russell Simmons, Co-Chairman of HSAN, the Hip-Hop Summits will be comprised of hip-hop artists and executives, as well as financial experts from title sponsor and partner, Chrysler Financial. The presenting sponsor of the tour is Anheuser-Busch. The 2007 tour will make seven stops including Houston, Texas., March 3; Detroit, Mich., April 14; Toronto, Ontario., August; Greensboro, N.C., September 8; Washington, D.C., September 29; Miami, Fla., October 20 and Atlanta, Ga., November 3.

The “Get Your Money Right” agenda features an interactive panel discussion on financial literacy, including such topics as the basics of banking, repairing and understanding credit scores, asset and wealth management, vehicle financing and home ownership. The tour will utilize the “Get Your Money Right” workbook, produced and distributed by HSAN in both English and Spanish. The workbook is free and is also downloadable at http://www.hsan.org.

Multi-Platinum Superstars Chris Brown and Sexy Songstress Ciara Set to Host BET’s RIP THE RUNWAY

For the third consecutive year, the worlds of hip-hop and fashion will once again collide for RIP THE RUNWAY. Hosted by the multi-talented CHRIS BROWN and sexy songstress CIARA, RIP THE RUNWAY will be the most stylish hour of television showcasing the latest trends in fashion, the hottest musical performances, and the most beautiful people strutting their stuff on the catwalk. RIP THE RUNWAY will tape at the Manhattan Center in New York City, March 6, 2007.

Grammy Award winning Ciara made her debut in the summer of 2004 with the Billboard number-one single, “Goodies.” It produced three top three singles, sold 2.6 million in the United States and over three million worldwide, and earned various awards and nominations.

Most recently, Ciara’s second album, Ciara: The Evolution, was released in December 2005 and debuted number one on the Billboard 200, selling more than 338,000 copies, which is 213,000 more than Ciara’s debut album Goodies that debuted at number three. It has spawned two top twenty singles.

Chris Brown is a Grammy Award-nominated R&B pop sensation, and most recently actor who rose to fame in mid 2005 with his Billboard Hot 100 number- one, Scott Storch-produced debut single “Run It!” featuring Juelz Santana. His self titled debut album spawned four successful Top 10 and Top
20 hits in the United States. To date, the album has sold 2.1 million copies in the U.S. and 3 million worldwide.

Join BET as RIP THE RUNWAY pays tribute to one of the most influential cultures filled with music, diversity and style. BET will televise this fashion special on Wednesday, March 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Cossette Production, acclaimed producers of the Grammy Awards along with the super bowl of music events, the BET AWARDS will be on site co-producing the big event.

Twenty African American Students from the Philadelphia Region to Receive Scholarships During McDonald’s(R) Black History Month Celebration

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC(R)) and the McDonald’s Owner/Operators of the Greater Philadelphia Region will recognize the accomplishments of 20 area high school seniors by awarding them RMHC/African American Future Achievers $1,000 college scholarships. RMHC/Future Achievers is a local extension of a national program that recognizes African American high school seniors for their scholastic achievement, community service and financial need (winners list follows).

“McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald House Charities are proud to support education initiatives in the Greater Philadelphia region and hope to inspire more students to pursue their dreams of attaining a higher level of education,” said Barry Person, President of the Philadelphia Black McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association.

The winning students will be recognized at the RMHC/Future Achievers Awards Celebration, being held on Tuesday, February 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Philadelphia. The event will feature a keynote address by Albert P. Black, Jr., chief operating officer of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Black will also be presented with the Anthony De Luz Black History Maker of Today Award, which honors local leaders whose pioneering work has made an impact on Black History and continues to inspire African Americans.

RMHC of the Philadelphia Region, Inc., is dedicated to supporting programs that improve the lives of children and families, including the Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware Ronald McDonald Houses; the St. Christopher’s Foundation Ronald McDonald Care Mobile; and grants to not-for-profit children’s programs.

There are more than 300 McDonald’s restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia Region that are owned and operated by more than 70 independent franchisees and McDonald’s Corporation that proudly support the RMHC/Future
Achievers Scholarship program.

Ronald McDonald House Charities(R)/African American Future Achievers(R) 2007 Scholarship Recipients

Khadijah Abdus-Salaam
Bridgeton High School
Bridgeton, NJ

Tamikah Alexander
Pleasantville High School
Pleasantville, NJ

Kamisha Battle
Atlantic City High School
Atlantic City, NJ

Joseph Blackwell, III
Charter Tech High School
Somers Point, NJ

Autumn Carter
Charter School of Wilmington
Wilmington, Del.

Nomble Coleman
Downingtown High School – West
Downingtown, Penn.

Frank Fentress
Pemberton Township High School
Pemberton, NJ

Brittney Glover
Trenton Central High School – North
Trenton, NJ

Bianca Gross
William Allen High School
Allentown, Penn.

Kareem Guess
Upper Dublin High School
Fort Washington, Penn.

Asya Leslie
Franklin Learning Center
Philadelphia

Tiffany Mack
Franklin Learning Center
Philadelphia

Odelia McFadden
Olney BMC High School
Philadelphia

Shalea Oliver
Girard College
Philadelphia

Darren Saunders
Charter School of Wilmington
Wilmington, Del.

Kyera Singleton
Cherry Hill High School – East
Cherry Hill, NJ

Michelle Thomas
Ursuline Academy
Wilmington, Del.

DeVaughn Thorpe
Norristown Area High School
Norristown, Penn.

Mary Walker
Lower Merion High School
Ardmore, Penn.

Charis Wilson
Charter Tech High School
Somers Point, NJ

SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) of the Philadelphia Region, Inc.

New York Daily News and Ancestry.com Trace Reverend Al Sharpton’s Roots to Ancestors of the Late Senator Strom Thurmond

The Reverend Al Sharpton joined New York Daily News reporter Austin Fenner and Mike Ward of Ancestry.com to announce the first of a series of unique, collaborative stories detailing how Rev. Sharpton’s family history intersects with another family line — that of the late segregationist Senator, Strom Thurmond.

Genealogical detectives from Ancestry.com were able to trace the lineage of the Reverend Sharpton to his great grandfather, Coleman Sharpton, a slave in 1835 Edgefield County, South Carolina. Coleman Sharpton was sent to South Carolina and hired out to work off the “debts of the estate” of Julia Thurmond Sharpton.

“When the Daily News first reached out to me for this story, I was very excited at the prospect of discovering my family roots — but I never expected this,” said the Rev. Sharpton, one of America’s foremost and outspoken leaders for civil rights. “When Ancestry.com walked me through my family history, it was chilling to see proof that I am only three generations from slavery — it’s no longer speculation.”

Rev. Sharpton added, “Who would have imagined that I would have anything in common with Strom Thurmond, let alone share roots?”

In conjunction with Black History Month, Ancestry.com released the largest collection of African-American family history records available online. After reviewing the collection with Daily News reporter Austin Fenner, he offered to approach Rev. Sharpton, whom he has covered for
years, to see if he would be interested in discovering more about his family history. The Reverend agreed to participate.

Megan Smolenyak, the Chief Family Historian for Ancestry.com, soon discovered a strong paper trail proving that Rev. Sharpton and Strom Thurmond’s histories intersect immediately prior to the Civil War.

“The Reverend’s reaction to his own history is a powerful example of what families are discovering everyday now that priceless historical records are increasingly and easily accessible online,” said Ms. Smolenyak. “We’re grateful that the Reverend agreed to take this journey and that the discoveries absolutely exceeded all our expectations. When I spotted a Thurmond in the family tree I suspected there might be a relationship, but I could never had imagined just how closely their families were connected.”

“After seeing what is now possible for African-Americans in terms of searching online, I couldn’t resist the idea of approaching the Reverend regarding his roots,” said Mr. Fenner. “Ancestry.com quickly began unearthing incredible clues that turned into an amazing paper trail. After sending our photographers to South Carolina, history truly came alive, as you’ll see in our stories over the next week. The fun of family history collided with reporting and proved to be a terrific match. Unlocking a door to history with Reverend Sharpton has been enlightening for all of us.”

Chrysler Group Executives Earn Diversity Awards

Two Chrysler Executives were given special honors at the 21st Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards ceremonies, held Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Baltimore Convention
Center. Byron Green, Chrysler Group Vice President Truck and Activity Vehicle Assembly, was named one of the Top 100 Blacks in Technology, while Richard Owusu, Chrysler Group Plant Manager, Jefferson North Assembly, was presented with the 2007 Professional Achievement in Industry Award. The prestigious honor is granted to individuals who exhibit significant contributions to the Black Engineer of the Year organization. This is the tenth consecutive year that a Chrysler Group employee has been recognized.

“The Chrysler Group is proud of Byron and Richard’s achievements, contributions and outstanding leadership,” said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President Manufacturing. “The Black Engineer of the Year awards are a prestigious honor that encourages African American executives to share their significant contributions with others. At the Chrysler Group, an inclusive workforce is what drives smart solutions and innovative products needed to win in a highly competitive global marketplace.”

In a separate ceremony, several other Chrysler Group employees received honors for their contributions in the engineering field, including Tonya Tompkins, Industrial Engineer – Manufacturing Action Process; Carolann Grant, New Programs I.E. & Ergonomics Manager – Jeep(R) /Trucks Programs; and Deronne Carson, Area Manager St. Louis South Assembly Plant.

The Black Engineer of the Year Award Conference is the nation’s largest career and professional development conference for African-American executives, professionals and college and high school students. More than 10,000 African-American professionals participate in the three-day event, which includes a career fair, workshops and a black-tie awards ceremony.

via PRNewswire

Rap Legend NaS Partners with 310 Footwear

310 Global Brands, Inc., the marketing and merchandising arm of 310 Motoring, announced it is partnering with hip hop superstar NaS to create a signature footwear line, DISCIPLE Footwear Collection by 310. This agreement, which follows the release of NaS’ Top 10 Billboard Rap Album “Hip Hop is Dead,” marks the artist’s latest enterprise in the fashion business.

Under the agreement, 310 will market and distribute the collaborative NaS footwear collection, which is scheduled to launch in select specialty shops in June 2007.

“I’ve respected NaS for a long time. From his music to his image, he answers to no one but himself, and it’s made him one of the most acclaimed artists out there today,” said Marc Laidler, founder of 310 Motoring. “He has never wavered and his street credibility is as true as it was back in the day. Everything NaS does is with style and authenticity, and I’m happy to be going into business with a man whose credentials are in sync with 310’s true style.”

As with each of his 12 albums, NaS is playing a hands-on role designing his new lifestyle collection – including naming his line after his trademark ID and groundbreaking album, “Street’s Disciple.”

“310 is not based on a one-size-fits-all approach,” said NaS from the DISCIPLE photo shoot in New York. “It’s about customization, expressing your own personal style – and DISCIPLE Footwear Collection by 310 is born out of this same spirit. I’m excited to design styles that respect that we are not all the same – that we’re here to celebrate our diversity, our roots, our history.”

Never one to shy away from controversy, NaS’ dominance in rap traces back to his first verses, which made an instant impact on the East Coast hip hop scene. Known for his frank and fearless manner, his bold lyrical approach has earned him a coveted position atop the international rap circuit – thwarting adversaries as he continues to evolve as one of the industry’s reigning voices.

The agreement is 310’s second entrée into signature celebrity collections following the global success of The Game’s Hurricane from 310 footwear.

310 Footwear reflects the quality, integrity and design of the high-end customized automobiles bearing the same moniker. The fabrication, design and details reflect the quality, uniqueness and exclusivity of these special automobiles. It is designed to capture a feeling, a culture, a lifestyle. It is the quintessential luxury brand.

Alonzo Mourning Suprises McDonalds Customers

Alonzo Mourning, recently named Alumni Ambassador of the McDonald’s All American High School Basketball Games, steps behind the counter of a Las Vegas McDonald’s to surprise Crew member Gerardo Martin during the launch of the new Honey Mustard Snack Wrap at the restaurant on 2248 Paradise Rd. Mourning treated customers to free samples of the new Snack Wrap, which features grilled or crispy chicken, lettuce, cheddar jack cheese and a Honey Mustard sauce wrapped in a flour tortilla. (PRNewsFoto/MCDONALDS,Steve Reed)

Funkmaster Flex Spins into the Chicago Auto Show with a 2007 Ford Expedition Concept and a Lot More

Hip-hop DJ and guru of urban car culture Funkmaster Flex is coming to the Chicago Auto Show to showcase his hottest ride yet, the 2007 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex concept.

Funkmaster Flex, star of the hit television series All Muscle on ESPN will be at the Ford stand on Feb. 10th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. to talk about his Ford Expedition, give a special music mixing performance, sign autographs, giveaway free T-shirts and raffle off custom Ford Funkmaster Flex jackets.

“I am going to Chicago to get things poppin’! I rate the Chicago show as a ’10′ but I think I can help make it a ’20′,” said Funkmaster Flex. “I can’t wait to get feedback from show goers on my latest Expedition concept. I plan on having some serious fun at the show.”

“Funkmaster Flex is doing a great job of generating buzz for Ford,” said Marc Perry, multicultural marketing manager for the Ford brand. “From the Expedition to Edge, Fusion and F-150, Flex is finding new and innovative ways to connect with our customers.”

While Flex spins at the Ford stand, he will be talking fierce about Ford’s red-hot 400-horsepower Interceptor and cool Airstream concepts. He will give demos of Ford’s latest technology developed in collaboration with Microsoft, called ‘Sync’ – a voice-activated, hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system that fully integrates cell phones and MP3 players, such as Microsoft Zune and Apple iPod. He will showcase Ford’s latest products including the vehicles revealed during auto show press days. Flex is also a huge fan of the Ford Mustang and wants every Chicago Auto Show goer to check out racing legend Carroll Shelby’s latest creations, the Ford 2007 Shelby GT and the 500-horsepower Ford Shelby GT500. Finally, Flex fans will also get an opportunity to enter to win an exclusive chance to go to a signature Funkmaster Flex party in New York City.

From a concept car perspective, show goers will also get a unique opportunity to experience the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex concept. The Flex Expedition features a two-tone Redfire and Black paint scheme with Orange pin-striping, 24-inch rims, DVD players and a distinctive Street Scene(R) body kit. It’s an expressive Ford Expedition that delivers SUV authenticity with unique urban style and presence.

Colorblind at Last? A look at the Oscars

Superbowl Sunday Advertisers Acknowledge Diversity And Inclusion

Superbowl 2007 ads had everything one could expect…creativity, suprises, and great concepts. This year many advertisers also chose to highlight diversity in their imagery acknowledging both Black History Month and the fact that the game itself was historical in its own right since two African Americans were at the helm of both teams.

UrbanMecca.com focuses in on those superbowl ads that celebrated diversity and inclusion in its advertising round up…

#6 T-Mobile My Favs

Probably the most powerful black targeted commercial that has been seen in recent times. The Frito Lay ‘Fans’ spot receives our number one vote. In this spot, Frito Lay acknowledges how special Super Bowl Sunday is for American history. It shows images of African American fans of all ages watching the game. The commercial starts to build more and more with a sense of pride the viewers have in the achievement of the two coaches (being the first two African American coaches in a Superbowl game). The spot ends with a grandfather looking down at his grandson in a way of satisfaction that the world is changing. He knows that his grandson has many more doors open to him than he had as a youth. His eyes said it all in a very powerful way. Bravo to this actor and bravo to Frito Lay and their agency for producing this well resonating spot. Our email box was flooded from members who loved this commercial.

CLICK TO WATCH

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Announces Grant to Enable Digital Opportunities for Minority Youth

Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corp., today announced a software grant worth $5 million for the National Urban League, the nation’s oldest and largest African-American organization. The technology grant from Microsoft will provide the National Urban League and its 102 affiliates with software to meet the organization’s goal of empowering communities and changing lives.

“Access to technology and strong computer skills are necessary to ensure that our community is more economically competitive,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. “As a result of Microsoft’s generosity, the National Urban League and our affiliates will have the technology needed to enhance our wide array of programs from education assistance and job training to home ownership and business development initiatives. In turn, we’ll be able to better assist the over 600,000 African-American children and families we serve nationwide and help them to acquire the necessary skills to close the digital divide that still exists in America today.”

The grant was announced at Microsoft’s 16th annual Blacks@ Microsoft Minority Student Day, an event designed to teach minority students around the country about opportunities in technology. The Minority Student Day and the National Urban League grant are part of Microsoft’s overall commitment to providing technology to underserved communities and broadening digital inclusion.

The $5 million dollar software grant will be rolled out over three years to give the National Urban League and its affiliates the technology system assessments and software needed to enhance its adult and youth programs as well as to encourage kids to pursue careers related to math and science. The grant will also provide the National Urban League’s office with tools to integrate data systems and more effectively communicate with Urban League affiliates and their volunteer corps across the nation.

“Microsoft is dedicated to working with organizations that serve and support diverse communities by providing educational opportunities,” said Claudette Whiting, general manager of Global Diversity and Inclusion at Microsoft. “We are proud to work with the National Urban League to bring technology into urban communities.”

About the National Urban League
Established in 1910, The Urban League is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Today, the National Urban League (http://www.nul.org), headquartered in New York City, spearheads the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates. There are over 100 local affiliates of the National Urban League located in 35 states and the District of Columbia providing direct services to more than 2 million people nationwide through programs, advocacy and research.

About Blacks @ Microsoft
Blacks @ Microsoft was founded in 1989 and serves as a
company-sponsored employee affinity group dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of African American employees at Microsoft Corp.

Students’ Dreams Honor King’s Legacy

Claude Treece (L) and Stephen Moll (R), partners with the law firm of Gardere Wynne Sewell in Houston, Texas, present a plaque to Harvey Pittman II, a 5th grade student with Lockhart Elementary in Houston, for winning the 11th Annual Gardere MLK Oratory Competition, which celebrates the ideals and legacy of the slain civil rights leaders with speeches by local 4th and 5th grade students. (Market Wire)

VH1 Soul and Spike Lee Helps Viewers To Determine Their African Ancestry

VH1 Soul is kicking off Black History Month this February with a new awareness spot directed by acclaimed producer/writer/director Spike Lee for SpikeDDB promoting DNA-based ancestry tests that can help viewers genetically determine where in Africa their African ancestors came from.

The tests, from African Ancestry, Inc. (http://www.africanancestry.com), do not involve needles or blood, but instead require people to collect their DNA by rubbing a swab along the inside of their cheeks. As part of the company’s confidential testing process, its laboratory scientists compare the collected DNA cells to over 25,000 genetic lineages in the African Lineage Database T, which includes both maternal and paternal lineages representing over 30 countries and over 200 ethnic groups. The results help transform lives by providing profound self-understanding. Viewers will be eligible for a discount on the cost of the service.

The 30-second spot debuts on VH1 Soul on Thursday, February 1. The spot features several African-Americans initially mentioning the American cities that they are from. The people are then featured again, holding swabs and naming the African region that their ancestors are from. The spot then encourages viewers to take pride in their original homes during Black History Month and learn more by going to http://www.vh1soul.com.

“Promoting the work of African Ancestry is a perfect way to expand on our on-air celebrations of Black History Month by encouraging our VH1 Soul African-American viewers to learn about their own history,” said Nigel Cox- Hagan, Senior Vice President, Creative Group and Consumer Marketing. “We’re truly honored that Spike Lee is sharing his incredible talents and vision with us on this project.”

Republican National Committee Chairman Statement on Black History Month

RNC Chairman Mike Duncan today released the following statement regarding the official start of Black History Month:

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of great Americans like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. and to look back on all our Nation has accomplished since essential civil rights for all Americans were ensured by law over 40 years ago. It is also a time to recognize that much work remains to be done. We continue to fight so every American has equal access to the limitless opportunities of the American Dream.

“Whether it’s continuing to expand housing opportunities, or working to make sure every parent has the choice of where to send his or her child to school, or removing the roadblocks to small business creation and growth; this Party and this nation will remain dedicated to equality of opportunity for every American.”

Paid for by the Republican National Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.