ldunbar@nul.org

New York, NY, November 15, 2000–Earvin "Magic" Johnson, revered for his stellar career on the basketball court, will be honored tonight by the National Urban League for his entrepreneurial and philanthropic achievements off the courts, during the organization’s 44^th Annual Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Awards Dinner at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, in New York City.

Johnson will receive the League’s Community Service Award in recognition of the strides he has made in raising the economic development playing field of minority communities across the country, as evidenced by his successful chain of movie theaters.

The League will also recognize Johnson for the philanthropic efforts enacted through the Magic Johnson Foundation, a non-profit organization that directs its efforts toward the health, educational, and social needs of inner city youth.

"As well-known as Mr. Johnson is for his athletic prowess, his entrepreneurial and philanthropic acumen is not as widely celebrated," said National Urban League President Hugh B. Price.

"We are honored to draw attention to the contributions he is making towards revitalizing minority communities through the presence of his local businesses, and the ways he is creating opportunity for youth across the country."

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The National Urban League’s Annual EOD Awards Dinner honors individuals and corporations who perpetuate the principle of equal opportunity and exhibit leadership qualities that result in notable contributions to the cause of equal rights. Proceeds from the dinner benefit the League’s education, technology, economic self-sufficiency and racial inclusion initiatives.

John Thain, President and Co-Chief Operating Officer, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is this year’s Dinner Chairman, and Roz Abrams, Anchor, Eyewitness News, WABC-TV, Channel 7, New York, is the Mistress of Ceremonies. Because this year marks the League’s 90^th anniversary, the evening’s festivities will also feature a look back at the organization’s nine decades of service.

Other National Urban League 44^th Annual EOD Awards Dinner honorees include:

• Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc — The Corporate Leadership Award (accepted by David H. Komansky, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.) for their trailblazing efforts in creating an environment which fosters equal opportunity among society’s diverse cultures, while providing the catalyst for personal and professional achievement, as evidenced by the success of their historic ScholarshipBuilder program.

• Franklin Raines, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fannie Mae — The National Public Service Award in recognition of his path-finding role heading the Office of Management and Budget and for becoming the first African-American to run a Fortune 500 company and shatter the CEO glass ceiling barrier.

• Kenneth I. Chenault, President and Chief Operating Officer, American Express Company — The Leadership Award in recognition of his achievements, advancements and leadership within America’s corporate stratosphere.

• Mrs. Ann S. Kheel and Mr. Theodore W. Kheel — The Special Recognition Award in honor of their combined decades of service to the League.

Founded in 1910, the National Urban League is a nonprofit organization that, through its more than 100 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. Visit the League’s Web site at www.nul.org.