McDonald's sponsors '08 State of the Black Union

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. will sponsor Tavis Smiley's annual "State of the Black Union 2008: Reclaiming Our Democracy, Deciding Our Future" symposium. The 2008 State of the Black Union (SOBU) weekend will take place Feb. 22 and 23 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

The symposium will provide a national forum for leading African-American educators, social scientists, business leaders and clergy to discuss economic empowerment, the development and rebuilding of communities, as well as continues support of communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina, according to a news release.

"McDonald's continued commitment to the African-American community has been instrumental to the success of our corporation. Through our sponsorship of the State of the Black Union, we understand the importance of uniting some of the most recognized intellectual minds to discuss issues affecting the African-American community," said Carol Sagers, director of U.S. Marketing and McDonald's USA. "We will continue to create opportunities that speak to our constant support of economic empowerment, academic and professional achievement and community development."