McDonald’s 365Black Awards Recognizes Milestone Contributions Of Exemplary African American Leaders. The 365Black Awards Honorees Are Living Legends Whose Lives And Life Work Demonstrate What It Means To Be “Deeply Rooted In The Community.”
*McDonald’s has long been a Mack Daddy for the African American community by always lending unconditional support to ongoing investment in the growth, development and success of that community at large.
In 2002, the premier fast food chain launched an innovative marketing campaign to recognize the historical contributions and accomplishments of African Americans while celebrating the culture, achievement and heritage of African Americans all year round.
The campaign proved to be successful and in 2003 McDonald’s launched the 365Black Awards to recognize individuals who make significant contributions to the African American community.
This year marked McDonald’s fifth year as a sponsor of the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans over the Fourth of July weekend which served as a perfect environment for the 2008 365Black Awards tribute to African American trailblazers and to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African Americans yearlong. The award was bestowed on the esteemed honorees at an awards gala on Friday, July 4, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
The luncheon got off to a lively start with the appearance of Casa Samba, a New Orleans-based, authentic Brazilian Escola de Samba (samba school) band whose pulsating sounds had guests dancing in their seats. Master of Ceremonies and showman Tom Joyner, co-owner of Reach Media, Inc. and an inaugural recipient of the coveted 365Black Awards, did a little Samba as he danced up to the stage.
The popular nationally syndicated radio personality introduced Marty Gillis, chairman, McDonald’s African American consumer market committee, who did not miss a beat as she kept the excitement going with enthusiastic Big Mac greetings.
Marty turned the beat over to Neil Golden, senior vice president, chief marketing officer, McDonald’s USA, LLC, and Karen King, east division president, McDonald’s USA, LLC, who presented the 2008 365Black Awards recipients with specially commissioned awards.
This year’s 2008 awardees who will join the ranks of previous honorees included women’s education advocate Johnnetta B. Cole; world renowned journalist Roland S. Martin; marketing guru and retired McDonald’s chief marketing officer William J. Lamar Jr.; and national black McDonald’s operators association leader Ernie Adair.
“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.”
Actors Hill Harper (CSI:NY); Pooch Hall (CW’s The Game); Sony/EPIC recording artist Noel Gourdin; TV One host Ed Gordon; TV One Bernard Bell, senior vice president, office of the president/CEO; New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin; Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu ; Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications, Inc.; and Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief, ESSENCE, were among some of the celebrities and dignitaries in attendance to honor the lifetime achievements of the 2008 honorees and enjoy a New Orleans style luncheon topped off with a soothing musical performance by Riccardo Crespo & Sol Brasil.
“We are glad that McDonald’s remains deeply rooted in New Orleans. Since McDonald’s opened its doors in New Orleans its franchises have provided employment for thousands of New Orleans residents and helped support the economic development of the city,” commented Mayor Nagin.
Mayor Nagin also paid tribute to this year’s dynamic champions and winners of the McDonald’s 365Black Awards. “We are honored that McDonald’s has chosen our city for a second year to host this prestigious event. The 365Black Awards are McDonald’s tribute to African American leaders who are impacting the lives of African Americans every day of the year.”
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.
Kudos to Burrell Communications for their savvy in helping to orchestrate a memorable luncheon.
For more information about McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com
Honorees Ernie Adair, Roland S. Martin, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, William J. Lamar Jr.
Ed Gordon, Roland S. Martin, Tom Joyner
Marty Gillis, chairman, McDonald's African American Consumer Market Committee
Neil Golden with honroees Ernie Adair, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Roland S. Martin, Bill Lamar
Noel Gourdin, Hill Harper, Pooch Hall
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.