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BET Honors Influential African-Americans for Black History Month

Press Release Washington, D.C

In honor of the nation's Black History Month observance in February, BET is partnering with General Motors to recognize History Makers in The Making, contemporary African-American leaders who have made a significant contribution to enrich or better the lives of other African Americans and their communities. Each of the four honorees will be featured on BET and BET.com throughout the month of February. The History Makers in the Making initiative will culminate in a private reception honoring the award recipients on February 26 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Michigan. "As the preeminent media company targeting African Americans, BET makes history everyday. However, it is always appropriate to salute and honor those who give so much of themselves to help others in our community improve and grow," said Louis Carr, BET President of Broadcast Media Sales.


History Makers in the Making salutes African Americans in the fields of education, medicine, social services, government, entertainment, business and sports. Previous honorees include Bishop Arthur M. Brazier, Pastor Apostolic Church of God; Aaron Dworkin, Executive Director of The Sphinx Competition; Dr. Wilbert Jordan, HIV/AIDS medicine; Kwame Kilpatrick, Mayor of Detroit; and Kevin Liles, President Def Jam/Def Soul Records.


"Historically, African Americans -- customers, employees, suppliers and dealers -- have played a significant role in the success of GM," said Chris Robinson, Director of African-American Marketing for GM. "History Makers in the Making provides a great platform for us to honor those important contributions to our company by saluting leaders in the African-American community."



2004 HISTORY MAKERS IN THE MAKING HONOREES
Reginald Brass - Founder and President, "My Child Says Daddy"

Founded in 1989, My Child Says Daddy (MCSD) was established to address the issues and concerns of fathers seeking a more active role in raising their children. MCSD provides fathers workshops on parenting skills, divorce, parental rights and anger management/conflict resolution. One-on-one counseling and referrals for outside professional services are also provided. Reginald Brass also serves as Commissioner of the Los Angeles County Child Support Advisory Board.

Karen E. Jackson - Founder and National President "Sisters Network (R) Inc."

Following her own diagnosis of breast cancer, Karen Jackson established the 10-year-old "Sisters Network® Inc." to provide a warm and nurturing environment for African-American women coping with breast cancer, as well as to empower, educate, encourage and mobilize women about the importance of breast health awareness.

Sisters Network is the only national African- American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States with 39 affiliate chapters and nearly 3,000 members. It is committed to increasing national and local attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African-American community. Sisters Network will celebrate its 10th Anniversary at the 6th Annual National Breast Cancer Conference April 16th- 18th, in Richmond, VA.

William H. Gray III - President/ CEO - United Negro College Fund

(UNCF) William H. Gray III has been president and chief executive officer of The College Fund/UNCF since 1991 and has led the United Negro College Fund to new fundraising records, while cutting costs and expanding programs and services.

Among the initiatives launched under Mr. Gray's leadership are the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute to research issues affecting African-American students from kindergarten through graduate school; the successful completion of a $280 million capital campaign; development of an $80 million Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign to bolster technology infrastructure of UNCF's member colleges and universities; and most noteworthy, raising $1.1 billion of the $2 billion raised by UNCF in its 58-year history -- representing over
50% of all funds raised since its existence.

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie - Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District AME Church

In July 2000, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was elected bishop of the AME Church, the first female to hold such a position in the denomination's 213 year history. Bishop McKenzie is responsible for spiritual leadership and service for the South African countries of Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Mozambique encompassing 200 churches and 10,000 members. Her focus includes developing spiritual disciplines, strengthening the technological infrastructure, developing self-help projects and supporting education.

She has also started orphanages and parental-support systems for children losing parents to AIDS. Widely recognized as an expert on the theological and historical struggles of black women in the church, she has authored two books on this issue and wants to give increased support for the ministry of Black women throughout the world.