100 Businesses Join To Eliminate Racial Academic Achievement Gap

May 24th “Million Father March” Fundraiser Draws National Audience

CHICAGO, IL --- On the first day of school last year, one million black men took to the streets in cities across America to make a simple, yet profound statement: “We care about the education and well-being of our black children.” Phillip Jackson, Executive Director of The Black Star Project, called it the “Million Father March.” In the interest of keeping a good thing going, on May 24th, 2005, over 100 Chicago business owners and executives will converge at the Chicago Athletic Association to show their support for the Black Star Project and raise funds for the next Million Father March.

System Concepts, Inc, the education technology company hosting the event, announced in at a press conference March that it would be kicking off its planned giving program by inviting Chicago businesses to a fundraising dinner for Black Star. But within weeks of that announcement, the dinner evolved into a much larger event. “People believe in the Black Star Project’s work,” said Cynthia Morgan, President of System Concepts, Inc. “The outpouring of support has been unbelievable.”

Mark Elliot, President of Promethean, Inc in Atlanta Georgia, will be on hand to recognize Phillip Jackson with the prized Promethean Award for Outstanding Contribution To Education, which carries a $1,000 grant for Black Star to carry out its work in the community. After delivering a lecture on Eliminating the Racial Academic Achievement Gap, Mr. Jackson will award one Chicago Public School with the Black Star Award for Urban Excellence In Education. Several guest speakers, including Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Reginald Torrian and Illinois Juvenile Justice Commissioner Bobbie Huskey will be on hand to speak out in support of Black Star Project’s programs.

A silent auction will raise funds for the next "Million Father March." Donated items include Michael Jordon autographed memorabilia, paintings donated by the Nicole Gallery, consumer electronics, gift baskets, travel packages, gift certificates and more.

What: NOVA – An Evening With The Black Star Project
Where: The Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603
When: Tuesday, May 24th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Cost: $50.00 per seat / $400 per table (seats 8)
RSVP by: Monday, May 23rd

MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WILL BE ADMITTED FREE OF CHARGE
PLEASE RSVP to IAN BRYAN, 773 344 2110 / ianbryan@sensiblecity.com

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Contact:

Ian Bryan, Event Coordinator– 773.344.2110
The Black Star Project – 312.842.3527

For eight years Black Star Project and Phillip Jackson have worked to improve the quality of life for others. The group has reached many parents and students in Illinois and his campaigns include Parental Involvement Programs that help parents to become the most important and the best teacher for their children.