For Immediate Release Contact: Leslie A. Dunbar

ldunbar@nul.org

New York, NY, September 12, 2000–The National Urban League announced today that as part of the League’s Campaign for African American Achievement, it is designating September as Achievement Month and Saturday, September 16 as "Doing the Right Thing Day," an occasion to celebrate youth who are achieving academically and socially, and to raise awareness of issues affecting youth.

To celebrate Doing the Right Thing Day, Urban League affiliates around the country will stage special events. Following, a closer look at what’s in store (affiliates marked with ** are planning celebrations on alternate dates):

• Chicago Urban League (Chicago, Ill.): Actor Malcolm Jamal Warner of The Cosby Show and Malcolm and Eddie fame will serve as keynote speaker in a program honoring more than 100 talented high school seniors for exemplary achievements in academics, community service and leadership. Events begin with a reception at 11:00 AM at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56^th Pl.

• Urban League of Greater Columbus (Ohio): A teen pregnancy awareness rally willtake place at the Columbus State University Fine Arts Hall. Contact the League at (706) 243-2035 or send an e-mail to mcul@mindspring.com for more information.

• Urban League of Broward County (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.): This affiliate plans a recognition luncheon honoring more than 40 youths at the Holiday Inn — Ft. Lauderdale. For information, call (954) 584-0777, ext. 301, or send an e-mail to ulbcfl@aol.com.

• Louisville Urban League (Louisville, Ky.): The celebration begins on Fri., Sept. 15 with the induction of more than 50 students into the Campaign for African American Achievement honor society. The following day, Sat., Sept. 16, the Louisville UL will host more than 600 youths and their parents for a day of recognition, entertainment, dancing and vendor displays at its headquarters at 1535 W. Broadway. For information, call (502) 561-6830, ext. 140, or send an e-mail to sjenkins@lul.org.

• Fort Wayne Urban League (Fort Wayne, Ind.): Under the theme, "A Job Well Done," the Fort Wayne UL will host an awards luncheon for 100 youths at the Weisser Park Youth Center at 802 Eckart Street. For information, call (219) 456-3879.

• Springfield Urban League (Springfield, Ill.): This affiliate plans a "fun fair" featuring informational booths focusing on health and education topics. The celebration takes place at the Springfield UL headquarters at 100 N. 11^th Street from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For information, call (217) 789-0830.

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• Urban League of Flint (Flint, Mich.): A block party with a carnival atmosphere featuring award presentations, food, live music and entertainment, prizes, etc. is the centerpiece for this affiliate’s celebration. For information, call (810) 789-7611, or send an e-mail to ulflint@aol.com.

• Metro Orlando Urban League (Orlando, Fla.): This affiliate will celebrate with an outdoor community carnival featuring face painting, music, food and fun. An indoor award reception follows. All events take place at the Southwest Boys and Girls Club starting at 11:00 AM. Call (407) 841-7654, ext. 334 for more information.
  
• Urban League Rochester (Rochester, N.Y.): Under the theme "The Value of Education and Building Positive Self-Esteem," the UL of Rochester will host a day of motivational speeches, a pep rally, talent show, and mini step-show. The action takes place at the Adams Street Recreation Center, 85 Adams Street. Call (716) 325-6530 or send an e-mail to wclark@ulr.org for more information.

• Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League (Tulsa, Okla.): This affiliate will honor 125 students in an awards ceremony at the Tulsa Technology Center at 3850 N. Peoria. Call (918) 584-0001 or send an e-mail to csamilton@mtul.org for more information.

• Greater Phoenix Urban League (Phoenix, Ariz.): Under the theme "Every Child is a Star," the Phoenix UL will host a recognition ceremony for 400 youths and their parents at the Phoenix Orpheum Theatre. Call (602) 254-5611 or send an e-mail to ken.franklin@excite.com for information.

• **Urban League of Metropolitan Harrisburg (Harrisburg, Penn.): Some 150 youths will direct and execute a special program to celebrate their achievements. The event takes place Thurs., Sept. 21 at the Central Allison Hill Community Center at 1524 Walnut Street. Call (717) 234-5925 for more details and information.

• Urban League of Pikes Peak Region (Colorado Springs, Colo.): This affiliate will induct 300 students into the Campaign for African American Achievement national Achievers Society during a ceremony at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Call (719) 634-1525 for more information.

• Detroit Urban League (Detroit, Mich.): An outdoor carnival and awards ceremony at Edward Tolan Field (corner of Mack Avenue and I-75) will mark this affiliate’s day. Call (313) 863-0300 or send an e-mail to epage@africana.com for more information.

• Los Angeles Urban League (Los Angeles, Calif.): This affiliate plans a celebration festival at Southwest College in Los Angeles. Call (323) 290-8919 or send an e-mail to scarter@laul.org for more information.

• **Greater Washington Urban League (Washington, D.C.): Under the theme "Celebrating Our Youth," this affiliate plans a day of celebration for 500 youths on Sat., Sept. 30 featuring door prizes, exhibitors, information and fun activities. For details, call 202-265-8200 or send an e-mail to epperson@primanet.com.

• Trident Urban League (Charleston, S.C.): Under the theme "A Book and a Burger Because Achievement Matters," this affiliate is partnering with local McDonald’s restaurants (locations include Moncks Corner, Goose Creek and John’s Island) to distribute more than 800 children’s books free of charge to customers in the community. For details, call Loretta Mouzon at (843) 965-4037.

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NUL’s Achievement Month…Page Three

The National Urban League’s Campaign for African American Achievement was established in 1997 to raise achievement levels and strengthen the social skills of African-American and children of color, through advocacy, hands-on programming and targeted publicity efforts.

The Campaign is an aggressive collaboration with the Congress of National Black Churches (65,000 churches nationwide) and more than 20 African-American organizations including faith-based, social and civic and professional groups. The Campaign is also a mechanism for holding schools accountable for the quality of education they deliver.

Hallmarks of the Campaign include the Achievers Society,an honor society for African-American and children of color. Students are "inducted" into the Society at ceremonies held in Black churches throughout the country. More than 16,000 students have been inducted into the Achievers Society so far, representing a myriad of stories about achieving against the odds. The Congress of National Black Churches is the League’s primary partner in this component of the Campaign.

The Achievers Society is open to students who are:

• In grades 3-11;
• Making all "A"s or all "B"s, no "C"s, unless they are in advanced or honors courses;
• Sponsored by an adult who will serve as a mentor or role model in the achievers life;
• Recognized for artistic talents and winning competitions at regional, state, or national levels;
• Students may be inducted based upon semester-by-semester grades.
• Continued recognition can be secured in part by completing a community service project each year of membership.

Founded in 1910, the National Urban League is a nonprofit organization that, through its 114 affiliates in 34 states and the District of Columbia, provides direct services and functions as an advocate to generate policy reforms that empower African-Americans to achieve economic, academic and racial equality. The League’s headquarters is located at 120 Wall Street in New York City.