100 Black Men of America, Inc. recently hosted their 14th Annual National Conference, June 7th –June 11th, 2000 in East Rutherford, NJ at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel. Esther Silver Parker, President of the AT&T Foundation and Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., President of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., announced the AT&T gift of $300,000! This money will be distributed over a three-year period and will be used to address the digital divide!

"AT&T has long believed in the power of both public and private partnerships", said Mrs. Parker. "By mentoring and encouraging African American youth to enhance their Internet skills, this latest partnership is one of our many efforts to address the digital divide. AT&T is delighted to provide the means for these young people to learn information technology, math and science in preparation for their futures."

This year’s conference hosted a mélange of workshops, panels and seminars for the over 1500 attendees. 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is an international organization, headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The mission of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is to provide guidance, support, and opportunity to our youth through mentoring. The more than 120,000 children who have benefited are testimony to the diligence and commitment of the "100’s" volunteers.

Among the conference highlights was the opening keynote address on Thursday night given by Hugh B. Price, President of the National Urban League. On Friday afternoon the New Jersey Secretary of State, DeForest B. Soaries delivered the welcoming address at the Presidents Award Luncheon. The Town Hall meeting on Friday evening focused on Prostate Cancer and was chaired by the Honorable Congressman Donald Payne.

Chart toppers, The Isley Brothers performed at the Saturday night Black Tie Gala held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The Isley Brothers career has more thirty years with such memorable hits like, " For The Love of You," "Between The Sheets," "It’s Your Thing," and "Harvest of the World."

The 100 Black Men of America simultaneously presented, The Youth Concert & Dance, featuring Tracey Lee, Jenise, and N-Toon. Headliners, N-Toon, the four member R&B singing group from Atlanta recently released their debut album, Toontime, (DreamWorks Records) most noted for the hit single, "Ready,"---a sensation among teenagers nationwide.

Patti LaBelle was honored as Woman of the Year while Kweisi Mfume was honored as the Man of the Year. United Parcel Service received the Corporation of the Year Award and Xernona Clayton received the Trailblazer of the Year Award.

Cissy Houston, mother of super star Whitney, closed out the conference at the Sunday morning service.

The AT&T Foundation invests globally in projects that are at the intersection of community needs. The emphasis is placed on programs that serve the needs of people in communities where AT&T has a significant business presence.

AT&T is one of the world’s premier voice, data, and video communications corporation. In addition to 70 million business and residential long distance customers, AT&T serves over 10 million cable subscribers, nearly 12 million wireless customers, and provides Internet Access to more than 2 million users. With annual revenues of more than $62 billion and 148,000 employees, AT&T provides services to customers worldwide.

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