OAK BROOK, Ill. — Celebrities and dignitaries from across the country will join event emcee Tom Joyner, nationally syndicated radio personality and one of the first recipients of the 365Black Award, on July 3 at the Ernest Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, for the McDonald's 2009 365Black Awards. The awards recognize individuals who are inspiring and stimulating change that will impact African Americans and all Americans.
Previous 365Black honorees include the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Essence Magazine president Michelle Ebanks and founder Susan Taylor, along with journalist Roland Martin and educator Johnnetta B. Cole.
"This year's McDonald's 365Black Awards recipients are revolutionizing what it means to be a leader in America," said Neil Golden, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, McDonald's USA. "They are accomplished people of tremendous influence, committed to community service, and they have a vision that transcends this current generation."
The 365Black Awards were launched in 2002 and are an extension of McDonald's 365Black initiative, created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African Americans. McDonald's outreach under the 365Black platform includes a Web site as well as alliances with organizations that provide opportunities for African Americans to succeed.
The 2009 365Black Awards recipients include:
- Earl G. Graves Sr., founder of Black Enterprise magazine.
- Soledad O'Brien, Emmy Award-winning journalist and current anchor and special correspondent for CNN Worldwide.
- Alonzo Mourning, recently retired NBA star.
- Congressman James E. Clyburn, House Majority Whip for the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Frank Mason, owner/operator of 10 McDonald's restaurants in the New York Metro region.
