McDonald's Celebrates Black History Beyond February With Their Inaugural 365Black Awards Gala

Recently, celebrities and dignitaries from across the country assembled at Reign Restaurant in Beverly Hills, Calif., to honor three living legends at the inaugural 365Black Awards Gala. Hosted by actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon ("NYPD Blue"), the event acknowledged the lifetime achievements of McDonald's first African-American franchisee Herman Petty, nationally-syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner and ESSENCE Senior Vice President/Editorial Director Susan L. Taylor, who are all pictured in the link below.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030610/CGTU057 )

"This was truly an exciting event for McDonald's," said Pat Harris, Chief Diversity Officer, McDonald's USA. "The event was a chance to do our part in keeping the three-hundred sixty-five day celebration of Black History ongoing, while honoring stellar individuals within our community."

Last year, McDonald's launched the 365Black campaign to recognize the historical contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans all year round. The 365Black Award was created to honor African-American pioneers for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030610/CGTU057
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990916/MCDLOGO
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SOURCE: McDonald's Corporation

CONTACT: Shannelle Armstrong of McDonald's Corporation, +1-630-623-5508;
or Marcel Babers of Burrell Communications Group, +1-773-531-5695

Web site: http://www.mcdonalds.com/