Award-winning Gospel & R&B singer Shirley Murdock will share her inspiration through song for guests, including a host of local celebrities, media and civic leaders. Attendees will dine on heavy hors d’oeuvres and be eligible to win giveaways, including designer shoes and a one-night deluxe hotel suite stay, plus receive a gift bag of surprises. Those interested in healthcare and awareness for ‘women of color’ are strongly encouraged to attend. There is no charge.

The quarterly, pocket-sized Girlfriends Health Guide for Women of Color® in Dallas is the most recent to join the publication’s network already in distribution in Milwaukee, Chicago and Atlanta. Matthew Johnson, founder and group publisher, says plans are in progress to launch Girlfriends Health®, which debuted in January 2007, in additional markets later this year.

“Girlfriends is more than just a publication, it’s a network,” Johnson said. “Dallas is a very important market to us and we’re looking forward to growing this market, providing readers relevant content, and offering sponsors an opportunity to reach the coveted ‘women of color’ market.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Circle of Promise is partnering with Girlfriends Health® as the title sponsor to co-host a series of special events around the country, including health disparities conferences.

In the inaugural Dallas edition, read the cover story of how Y. Nicole Payseur left the high-powered, intense life of a New York attorney to refocus her life, her priorities on yoga and her inner peace. Readers will also find helpful tips on finances, “going green” and other stories to help “girlfriends” incorporate a balance of life, work and most importantly, health into their lives.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Sandra K. Samuel, WordOut Communications, at 214.549.5028 or email dallasgirlfriendshealthguide@gmail.com. Reservations are not required but highly recommended.

Girlfriends Health Guide for Women of Color® currently publishes 250,000 issues quarterly and with The Girlfriend’s Network viral communications model has nearly 20,000 members nationwide. Girlfriends Health® can be found online at www.girlfriendshealthguide.com.

More information can be found online at http://www.girlfriendshealthguide.com

The February 13 event, billed as the “DALLAS DYNASTY-FLASH TO THE   FUTURE” at the Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G) in Dallas featured appearances by award winning actress Gabrielle Union, multi-Platinum record producer Jermaine Dupri, recording artist Mya, America’s Next  Top Model winner Eva Marcille Pigford, Phoenix Suns star Amare Stoudamire,  football great Terrell Owens and the hip hop legend Doug E. Fresh. Some of the other VIP guests included Ken Hamlin of the Dallas Cowboys, Antonio Bryant of the San Francisco 49ers,Terrence McGee of the Buffalo Bills and former Dallas Cowboy and Super Bowl XXX MVP Larry Brown.

“My Dallas NBA All-Star weekend could not have been better,” said Wade, a six-time NBA All Star and world champion with the Miami Heat.  “Winning the MVP trophy was definitely a highlight, but my event at F.I.G. was the kind of upscale, celebrity driven event I like to be associated with.”

The guests were treated to signature Martinis in the BLACKPLANET.COM suite and specialty drinks offered by Red Carpet sponsors by MOËT & CHANDON, HENNESSY COGNAC and BELVEDERE VODKA.  RED BULL also offered a menu of unique drinks along with a breakfast buffet that kept the party going until 6am.

Oscar Joyner, G³ Sports Marketing, LLC and The Masters Group partnered to create the high-profile, A-List event at one of the hottest venues in Downtown Dallas. The 20,000-square-foot loft space in downtown Dallas featured a contemporary and sophisticated décor produced by The Design Group of Miami®, a nationally celebrated event production firm.

Richardson Joyner is encouraging alumni, students, friends and supporters of black colleges to donate to her team to raise money for the Tom Joyner Foundation®, the 12-year-old organization founded by her husband, Tom.  She is asking people to send a tax-deductible donation in her name to the Tom Joyner Foundation, Attn: Angela Morton, P.O. Box 630495,Irving, Tx 75063-0495.

“The ING Miami Marathon is a wonderful event and I’m encouraging everyone to take a moment to join us at the event or support us with a donation and we walk/run for a cause,” said Joyner Richardson.  “This is a great way to promote fitness and wellness while helping my favorite charity – The Tom Joyner Foundation!  What a great way for you to help students stay in school and support Black Colleges.”

At the Miami Marathon, Richardson Joyner is participating with Danielle Joyner, Regina Cooper, Stacy Merrell and Carra Wallace.

The Miami event, started in 2003, will feature more than 15,000 runners and registered runners will begin at 6:15 am January 31 at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., and finish at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33131.  Registration fees vary. It’s $75 for the half marathon and $100 for the marathon.  Interested run register at http://ingmiamimarathon.com.

Richardson Joyner has starred in over 25 award-winning videos, including the best selling “Buns of Steel” and her own “Sweating in the Spirit” videos.  She is a member of the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports.  Donna was the former co-host for the “ESPN Fitness Pro’s Show” and fitness expert on the “NBC Weekend Today Show.  She is the producer and host of the “Donna Richardson’s Mind, Body & Spirit Show”, which aired on TV One, and the “Sweating in the Spirit” show which airs on the Word Network. She was inducted into the Fitness Hall of Fame and was named by Essence Magazine for being “one of the twenty five most inspiring women in America.”  Richardson Joyner broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest line dance with over 50,000 participants.  She is an author, and has lectured in over 40 countries educating and empowering women and children about a healthy lifestyle.  Richardson Joyner will be named for a second year one of spokesperson’s for the LPGA Women’s Golf Month. She is the first African American woman selected for this position.  She has recently been appointed to the board of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to fight Childhood Obesity. Richardson Joyner is the creator  of “GROW Green Get Fit”, outreach program that educates and empowers schools and universities on how to grow “Gardens of Hope“, eat healthier, become physically active, and give back to their communities.

She is the wife and soul mate of the #1 nationally syndicated morning radio talk show host, Tom Joyner, who reaches more than 8 million listeners weekly.

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Founded in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million to help keep students enrolled in black colleges. It has assisted more than 14,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs.

WHAT: 8th Annual Kidney Walk to benefit the National Kidney Foundation Serving North Texas

WHERE: Fort Worth Stockyards, beginning at River Ranch 500 NE 23rd St., Fort Worth, TX

WHEN: September 19, 2009, 9:00 am Registration, 10:00 am Walk

WHO: Community members, including kidney patients, transplant recipients, organ donors, physicians, friends and neighbors.

WHY: More than 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease. Millions more are at risk, and don’t even know it. In Tarrant County alone, an estimated 140,000 people have chronic kidney disease and 1,900 need dialysis treatment to stay alive. Funds raised from the event will support public and professional education, kidney health screenings and research grants.

CONTACT: Kelly Vaughan, 214.351.2393 – office, 214.564.5190 – cell Kelly.vaughan@kidney.org

For more Kidney Walk information visit www.kidneywalk.org.

(Dallas– September 11, 2009) The Tom Joyner Foundation® today announced a new ‘Scholar of Honor’ program that will provide a $1,500 scholarship to a veteran of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars since Sept. 11, 2001. The veteran must be currently attending a Historically Black Colleges & University (HBCU).

“This scholarship recognizes those men and women who have served our country who are trying to complete their education at a black college,” said Tom Joyner, chairman of his Foundation and host of the top-ranked nationally syndicated radio show. “This is our way of saying, ‘Thanks’ for what they’ve done and to help them pursue their dreams.”

The scholarship is available to qualified recent veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the National Guard and Reserves that have served since Sept. 11, 2001 in the Overseas Contingency Operation. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist military veterans who have enrolled in an HBCU to complete their education with costs that are not covered by the Montgomery GI Bill, which provides eligible veterans of benefits, including an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university. The first scholarship will be awarded during the week of Oct. 26, 2009.

Detailed information about the scholarship is available at Joyner’s website, BlackAmericaWeb.com.

To qualify for the scholarship, the veteran must meet the following criteria:

* Must be a veteran of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, US Coast Guard, and the National Guard and Reserves and must have served in the US Overseas Contingency Operation and/or since Sept. 11, 2001.
* Must be currently enrolled at an HBCU as a full time student and in good standing with their respective institution.
* Letter of nomination must provide contact information (phone and email) for the nominee and the nominator.

Eligible applicants or loved ones must submit a nomination letter of no more than 250 words. The letter should include the nominee’s rank, time and place served, and designate from which branch of the Armed Services the nominee served. The letter should also highlight why the nominee deserves the scholarship, and any other personal information or history that will help select the award winning scholar, such as special medals and/or awards that the nominee has received. The letters must be accompanied by a digital photograph of the nominee that may be posted on BlackAmericaWeb.com and shared with media.

Upon selecting a recipient, the Tom Joyner Foundation will verify the nominee’s military status, enrollment at an HBCU, and amount needed for enrollment for the subsequent semester.

Letters of nomination may be emailed to scholarofhonor@blackamericaweb.com faxed to Foundation office at (972) 681.2886, or mailed to the The Tom Joyner Foundation, P.O. Box 630495, Irving, Tx 75063-0495

Founded in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million to help keep students enrolled in black colleges. It has assisted more than 14,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs.

Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

(Dallas, TX – June 25, 2009)  A portion of the book sales of “Tom Joyner Presents How to Prepare for College” will benefit two black colleges: Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Princess Anne, Md.

The book, written by Thomas A. LaVeist, PhD, a graduate of UMES and Wil LaVeist, a graduate of Lincoln, has a foreword written by Thomas Joyner, the nationally syndicated media personality and philanthropist. Released earlier this year, the book is filled with easy to read, easy to understand lessons that can help make the path to college a little bit easier. 

“A book like this is essential to the prosperity of a student,” said Dr. Ivory N. Nelson, president of Lincoln University. “The best advice a young person can get is from individuals like the LaVeist brothers, who have navigated successfully through the academic arena and are not too far removed from the experience.  The results of these proceeds will be the testimonies of Lincoln students who will achieve greatness comparable to that of the LaVeist brothers and Tom Joyner, all HBCU graduates.  We are excited and grateful to have this partnership helping us to continue to produce leaders.”

Thelma Thompson, president of the UMES, said, “The collaboration between these two geniuses can only bring good to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. We are very proud to call these two of my favorite alumni – Thomas LaVeist and Tom Joyner [who receive an honorary doctorate].”

The LaVeist brothers said the book is a valuable resource that will help African-American families learn how to give their children a chance to compete.

The book, published by Joyner’s Foundation and Amber Books Inc., can be ordered now through  www.amberbooks.com  and www.ipgbook.com.  Chain stores (Barnes and Noble, Borders, Wal-Mart, Sam’s, etc.), can make special orders through Independent Publishers Group until September 2009, when the title will be officially released (published) nationwide.  

The book features useful advice on several subjects, including:

• A step-by-step guide for elementary school and beyond
• Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) v. non-HBCU: Which is the right for me?
• The Admission Process
• Paying for a college tuition
• The financial aid process
• Financial aid myths
• Staying in college
• Preparing for life after college
• Giving back
• A List of HBCUs
• Useful websites/organizations for scholarships/grants

Tony Rose, publisher/CEO, of Phoenix, AZ based Amber Communications Group, Inc. (ACGI), created Amber Books Publishing in 1998, which is the corporation’s first imprint, and has become the nation’s largest African-American publisher of self-help and career-guide book titles written by and for African Americans. Yvonne Rose, an Associate Publisher for Amber Books and director of Quality Press, said, “We are delighted with the opportunity and pleased that the Tom Joyner Foundation, Inc. has selected Quality Press, Amber Books  and  Independent Publishers Group to handle the production, manufacturing, publishing and distribution of their new literary venture Tom Joyner Presents How To Prepare For College.”

The Tom Joyner Foundation provides financial assistance to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. (HBCUs)  Since 1998, The Tom Joyner Foundation® has raised more than $55 million to help students attending HBCUs stay in school. The Tom Joyner Foundation also hosts an annual cruise named the Fantastic Voyage^TM  , which raises money for the (HBCUs).

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The partnership, which started last year, provides winners of the Tom Joyner Foundation® and Denny’s Single Parent Student Scholarship $1,500 grants toward their education at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).   A new grant winner is awarded every week in 2009. The students hail from cities large and small all around the country, including Richmond, VA, Talladega, AL, Winston, NC and Dover, DE.

“This partnership with Denny’s has been huge reason why single parents at our black colleges are completing their education,” said Tom Joyner, the nationally syndicated media personality and host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, who created the Foundation in 1998 to help keep students enrolled in HBCUs. “During a time when many companies have been cutting back, Denny’s has stepped it up, and it really making a difference.”

April Kelly-Drummond, Denny’s Director of Corporate Diversity, said, “The partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation® helps Denny’s further their commitment to building strong families, promoting community service and advancing educational opportunities. The scholarship program helps single-parent students further their education, providing greater opportunities for their own families and advancing the community as a whole.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of single-parent families has steadily increased during the past five years.  In 2006, there were more than 2.9 million single-parent, African American families in the United States.  In 2004, the National Center for Education Statistics found that 30% of all students currently enrolled in a degree-granting institution were minorities, a 16% increase in the last 30 years.

The single parent scholarship is awarded each week to a single parent attending the Tom Joyner Foundation’s “School of the Month.” This joint partnership is a reflection of Denny’s and the Tom Joyner Foundation’s shared belief that a commitment to higher education is the key to a better workforce and improved conditions for all communities.  

Since January, Denny’s and the Foundation have provided scholarships to students from Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA; Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO; Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, NC;  Allen University, Columbia, SC;  Talladega College, Talladega, AL; and Delaware State University, Dover, DE.  For the remainder of the year, selected single parent students will receive scholarships from Langston University, Langston, OK;  University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD; Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, AL; Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA and Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA.

Here’s a list of the Denny’s Single Parent Student Scholars:

Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA

• Shatera Bradley, a freshman elementary education major from Chesapeake, VA., is a full-time student and single parent of a 7-month old daughter, Semajah.  A track and field enthusiast, Bradley is a member of the Virginia Union track team, and she is an active member of the NAACP. After pursing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher in the Richmond public school system. 
• SheNesia Hopkins, a senior biology major from Wilson, NC, is a full-time student and single parent of a 16-month old son, Xavier Nasim. She is a MARC U* Star trainee, a member of the MBR Rise Research program and president of the Young Democrats organization.  After graduation, she plans to pursue her doctorate in physical therapy.
•  Kelli Osborne, a senior accounting major from Sacramento, CA, is a full-time student and single parent of a 9 year old son, Robert. She is currently president of the Accounting Club, and is a student leader in the Student Leadership Development Academy on Virginia Union’s campus. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on accounting. Her goal is to pursue a career in accounting.  
• DeMario Light, a senior computer analysis major from Richmond, VA, is a full-time student and single father. He is a member of the collegiate chapter of 100 Black Men and was very involved in this year’s planning of the Community Awareness Day held in Richmond to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After graduation, he plans to obtain his master’s degree in computer information systems and pursue a career as a computer analyst. 

Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO

• James Curtis Dickens, a junior majoring in criminal justice from St. Louis, MO. He is a full-time student and single parent of five children, ages 4 through 14. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Lincoln University Marching Storm’s drum line. He also volunteers in the Jefferson City community, teaching young people to play drums and other musical instruments.  Upon graduation, Dickens plans to pursue a career as a truant officer and work with troubled inner city youth.
• Elizabeth Mosby, a junior business administration student from Kirkwood, MO. She is the single parent of a 19-month-old daughter. She also is a cheerleader and volunteer freshmen orientation group leader. Upon graduation, she wants to work for the U.S. Postal Service and eventually become Postmaster General.
• Iuesha Wright, a freshman accounting major from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She is the single parent of a 2-year-old daughter. An avid tennis player, she is a member of the school’s tennis team and is secretary of the International Student Association. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Ms. Wright plans to become a Certified Public Accountant and open her own accounting firm.
• Leslie Ferguson, a freshman nursing student form Fulton, MO. Ferguson is a volunteer with the AmeriCorps program at Missouri Girls Town. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a career as a registered nurse.

Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, NC

• Keren Williams, a senior majoring in Rehabilitation Studies and ASL- Sign Language, is a full-time student and single parent of two children: a son, age 14 and a daughter, age 12. She is a member of the Winston Salem State University Rehabilitation Studies Club, the Winston Salem Carmel City Thrashers Roller Derby League for Women, and volunteers at the Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement facility. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a graduate degree at Winston Salem State University in Deaf Studies.
• Leala Carter, a sophomore, is a nursing student from Winston-Salem, NC.  She is full-time student and single parent of four children.  She volunteers with Just for Me Life Group Power Builders, working with four and five year olds at the Agape Faith Church. Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and attend a nurse anesthesia program.
• Joann Hairston, a senior majoring business administration from Philadelphia, PA.  She is a full-time student and single mother of a 19-year old daughter.  She is a member of Union Baptist Church and volunteers at the Winston-Salem Soup Kitchen and Homeless Shelter. Upon graduation, she plans to obtain her master’s degree in business administration and work for her alma mater, Winston-Salem State University.
• Diana Barker, a junior, is a social work major from Winston-Salem, NC, is a full-time student and single mother of two children, ages 2 and 8. She is “team mom” for their football and baseball teams. Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in social work as a case manager working with senior citizens.
• Carlette Potter, a freshman, is majoring in business administration student from Winston-Salem, NC. She is a full-time student and single mother of two daughters. She is a youth leader at Transformation Ministries. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue her master’s degree of business administration and become an entrepreneur.

Allen University, Columbia. SC

• Sharonda Alston, of Conway, South Carolina, is a senior biology/pre-med student.  She is full-time student and single parent of a 2-month old daughter, Anani. She is president of the collegiate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and serves as a student leader and ambassador for the university. Upon graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a general pediatrician.
• Sabrisha Jackson, of Winnsboro, South Carolina, is a freshman majoring in chemistry.  She is full-time student and single parent of an 18-month old daughter, Trinity. She is a math tutor and a member of the Allen University Cheerleader team. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a Forensic Science Technician and serve as a mentor to others interested in careers in forensic science.
• Shaniva Portee, of Columbia, South Carolina, is a freshman majoring in business administration.  She is full-time student and single parent of a 9-month old son, Kameron. She is a member of NAACP and works full-time at the Word of God Thrift Store, a non-profit organization in Columbia, SC that raises money to assist homeless women and children. Upon graduation, she plans to open a day care center.
• April Ford, of Georgetown, South Carolina,  is a freshman majoring in biology. She is full-time student and single parent of an 18-month old daughter, Zoey. She is a member of the YPD’er (Youth Program Development Board) and the student chapter of NAACP. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse.

Talladega College, Talladega, AL

• Joshua Clark, of Chicago, IL, is a senior Psychology student from Chicago, IL.  He is a full-time student and single parent of two children, Alicia, 4 and Kaleb, 1. He is an active member of the Talladega College Pre-Alumni Council, treasurer of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and senator for the Student Government Association.  In 2008, he was inducted into “Who’s Who among Black Colleges and Universities.”  Upon graduation, he plans to attend graduate school and obtain a Ph..D. in Career Counseling.
• Skekneko Garrett, of Talladega, AL, is a freshman majoring in education.  She is a full-time student and single parent of two children, a 23-month old daughter, Sommer and a 6-month old son, Desmond. In her spare time, Shekneko is a Crimson Ambassador and serves on the Talladega College Pre-Alumni Council. Upon graduation, she plans to obtain her master’s degree in business administration and enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Sharonda Witson, of Talladega, AL, is a senior business organizational management student from Talladega, Alabama.  She is a full-time student, works full-time at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama and is a single parent of two sons, Christian, 9 and Keyshawn, 7. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the National Honor’s Society.  She is also on the National Dean’s List.  Upon graduation, she plans to take additional courses in Spanish, Braille and sign language, pursue her master’s degree in business administration and start her own marketing firm.
• Tekla Fluker, of Talladega, AL, is a senior majoring in business management from Talladega, Alabama.  She is a full-time student and single parent of two children, Micah, 11 and Morgan, 4. Fluker serves as a Crimson Ambassador and is a member of the Talladega College Pre-Alumni Council. Upon graduation, she plans pursue her master’s degree in business administration and start a non-profit organization that assists the disabled and elderly.

About the Tom Joyner Foundation:

Founded in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has focused on its primary mission of helping to keep students enrolled in Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). The Foundation has raised more than $55 million to help keep students enrolled in black colleges and has assisted more than 14,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs.  Throughout the week, the Foundation announces scholarship winners on the nationally syndicated radio show hosted by its founder, Tom Joyner. Each week, separate financial awards are focused on students who are single parents and “The Herc”, which is for black male students at the foundation’s ‘Schools of the Month’. The organization’s largest annual fundraiser is its “Fantastic Voyage”^TM, which is a seven-day, six-night cruise that raises more than $1 million a year.

About Denny’s:

Denny’s is America’s largest full-service family restaurant chain, with more than 1,500 locations. For more than 50 years, Denny’s has been serving up real breakfast 24/7. Home of  the  famous Grand Slam® breakfast  Denny’s provides a variety of flavorful food and beverage choices.  For more information on Denny’s, please visit  www.dennys.com.

HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse Awareness at Six Black Colleges

(Dallas, TX – July 2, 2009) The Tom Joyner Foundation will help promote awareness on HIV/AIDS and substance abuse at six black colleges as part of a $510,000 federal grant.

Each historically black colleges and university (HBCUs) will receive $85,000 from the Substance Abuse Mental health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Prevention’s (SAMHSA/CSAP) Minority Education Institution (MEI) Initiative.  The agency will be responsible for conducting the HIV and substance abuse awareness projects.

The following campuses will be participating this year:  PrairieView A&M University, Prairie View, TX; Southern University of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA; Howard University, Washington, DC; VirginiaUnion University, Richmond, VA; Savannah State University, Savannah, GA.

“HIV/AIDS and substance abuse are issues that can not be ignored,” said Tom Joyner, who created the Foundation and whose four-hour drive-time show is heard in 115 markets and heard by more than eight million listeners. “We want to keep our students at black colleges fully informed about all aspects of life – not just what they learn in class.”

Beverly Watts Davis, senior advisor, Office of the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), said the partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation has been critical in helping to raise awareness among black college students. “Everyday is a day when you can get tested,” Davis said, “It’s not a once a year event. … It’s a message we need to get to all of our children. We want to help them to aware of their behavior and to be safer with their behavior.”

Since the partnership started in 2005, Davis said that more than 15,000 students have been tested, more than 970 students have become peer educators. “Getting tested for HIV/AIDS should be a part of everyone’s standard care,” Davis added.

The Tom Joyner Foundation, founded by Joyner in 1998, is responsible for raising more $55 million dollars and helping some 40 colleges and thousands of deserving students.  Each month, Joyner raises money for a specific historically black college and helps students currently attending that school.

Joyner, a graduate of Tuskegee Institute now, University, has been highly recognized by industry and community groups for the work he has done during the more than 25 years in radio. Joyner not only was inducted into the prestigious Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, but he also received the Marconi Award from the National Association of Broadcasters’ as the top nationally syndicated/network radio personality.  Joyner’s sons are also graduates of black colleges: Thomas Jr., Howard University and Oscar, Florida A&M University.

For more details about the foundation visit us at BlackAmericaWeb.com (http://blackamericaweb.com<http://blackamericaweb.com/>)  For additional information, contact, Neil Foote, media relations, Tom Joyner Foundation, 214.448.3765, neil@neilfoote.com.

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“The exploitation of children is a stain on human dignity,” says Jimmy Jean-Louis, the actor known as “The Haitian” on NBC’s hit series “Heroes.” “It is within our reach to create a better future for these children.”

Jean-Louis, who is PADF’s Goodwill Ambassador for Haiti’s Children, noted that these human rights abuses do not have limits.

“We’re talking about children as young as 7 or 8 years old who are the victims of exploitation,” he says. “They should be riding bikes and going to school. Instead, they are kept out of school. Some children are exposed to violence. Others are forced to live in horrendous conditions.”

The U.S. State Department reported in 2008 that: “Haiti is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation.” The State Department estimates that as many as 200,000 children are the victims of this specific type of exploitation.

People are encouraged to call  (877) 572-6544  or visit the website http://http://itooamhaiti.org to learn more or make a donation.

PADF Deputy Executive Director Amy Coughenour says the U.S. government has renewed its interest in Haiti and is looking at how it can effect change there. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited the island on April 14.

“Secretary of State Clinton’s visit and commitment of resources are important steps,” says Coughenour. “As individuals, we can play a part. The good place to start is by changing the lives of exploited children.”

Building Haiti from the Ground Up
Coughenour says I Too Am Haiti is the first in a series of specialized campaigns that are part of the non-profit organization’s larger “Building Haiti from the Ground Up” initiative.

“To help people better understand how they can help Haiti, we made a strategic decision to present the country’s challenges in a series of campaigns,” Coughenour says. “Together, these issue-specific campaigns will raise awareness and resources that will change the lives of Haitians.”
In addition to exploited children, other issue-specific campaigns in Building Haiti from the Ground Up initiative will include community-driven development, job creation and reviving agriculture. The I Too Am Haiti campaign will run for approximately six months.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, where approximately 80 percent of the population of 9 million lives in poverty. Of that, more than half live on a dollar a day.

PADF is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Haiti. With nearly three decades of work on the ground, PADF now manages a large portfolio of activities ranging from community-driven development to protecting human rights. In the past year, it helped nearly 1 million Haitians.

Langston Hughes Inspiration
I Too Am Haiti concept is inspired by Langston Hughes moving poem “I, Too, Sing America.” “The campaign draws on the rich history of Black America’s struggle to overcome exploitation,” says Interlex President & Chief Creative Officer Rudy Ruiz. “I Too Am Haiti will leverage the power and relevance of that struggle to motivate African-Americans to support exploited children so close to home.”

The campaign includes outreach to Congress and the Obama Administration to generate support for PADF’s efforts, which include supporting 50 shelters that provide a safe haven for exploited children, advocacy on their behalf and training of community groups to identify abused children. Jean-Louis will participate in the Washington, D.C., briefings.

About PADF
PADF is a non-profit organization established in 1962 to promote, facilitate, and implement social and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the past year, it had more than 4.5 million beneficiaries in 18 countries. Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C., and has field offices in Colombia, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere. www.padf.org

For each person who joins Team Sybil, $1 will be donated to the Tom Joyner Foundation, which provides scholarships to keep students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Team Sybil has set a goal to recruit 30,000 members as part of the national campaign designed to promote healthier lifestyles.

“Our Team is working hard and making great progress toward living healthier lives!” Wilkes said. “We are helping ourselves…and we want to help others as well by supporting the Tom Joyner Foundation in its quest to help deserving students graduate from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

Wilkes said she knows these are tough economic times, but she stresses the importance of making sure we take care of ourselves by eating the right foods and exercising. That’s why she is encouraging everyone to go to BlackAmericaWeb.com (http://blackamericaweb.com) to sign up for her team.

“This is all about doing the right thing, and giving back,” Wilkes said. “That’s a great combination if you ask me.”

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