OAK BROOK, Ill., July 9 // PRNewswire // -- McDonald's recently announced its 2008 365Black Awards recipients, a prestigious group of African American community and business leaders. Actors Hill Harper (CSI:NY) and Pooch Hall (CW's The Game) were among dignitaries present during the program hosted by Tom Joyner, nationally syndicated radio personality and inaugural 365Black Award recipient. The McDonald's 365Black Awards recognize the landmark contributions of African American leaders toward bettering the lives of African Americans across the nation.
This year McDonald's recognized women's education advocate Johnnetta B. Cole; world renowned journalist Roland S. Martin; marketing guru and retired McDonald's Chief Marketing Officer Bill Lamar; and National Black McDonald's Operators Association leader, Ernie Adair. These individuals join the ranks of previous 365Black honorees, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, advertising mogul Tom Burrell, Coca-Cola senior vice president Ingrid Saunders-Jones, Essence Magazine founder Susan Taylor and President Michelle Ebanks, along with Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
"This year's McDonald's 365Black Awards recipients are individuals who are changing the face of the African American community by impacting education, the media environment and the business world every single day of the year," said Don Thompson, President, McDonald's USA. "They inspire all of us with their leadership and scholarship in areas that touch our lives."
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 yearlong. McDonald's outreach under the 365Black platform includes the web site http://www.365black.com, as well as alliances and supporting events with organizations that provide opportunities for African Americans to succeed.
"McDonald's continues to nurture the growth of the African American community through collaborating with those that empower and inspire consumers to take advantage of education, economic and career opportunities," said Carol Sagers, Director of U.S. Marketing, McDonald's USA. "Our commitment is to celebrate people who truly demonstrate the essence of 365Black, which is all about being deeply rooted in the community everyday."
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information about McDonald's visit http://www.mcdonalds.com.
SOURCE McDonald's
McDonald's Corporation is the largest chain of fast-food restaurants, primarily selling hamburgers, chicken, french fries, milkshakes and soft drinks.