Alabama A&M New September 14, 2012 AAMU President Among Essence, Congressional Black Caucus Honorees ESSENCE & Southern Company, in partnership with Perennial Strategy Group, will host the 4th annual Evening of Excellence-a prestigious awards reception that is part of the 2012 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) 42nd Annual Legislative Conference. This year, the annual reception honors some of today's most influential leaders and advocates of change in the areas of education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) including: actress and education advocate Alfre Woodard; Xavier University president Dr. Norman C. Francis; Alabama A&M University president Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr.; and The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl writer and creator Issa Rae. Hosted by CNN news anchor Fredricka Whitfield, this invitation-only event will take place on Friday, September 21st, in Washington, D.C., at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Activist and TV host Reverend Al Sharpton will also make an appearance at the event. The evening will culminate with a performance from Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Tamia. Legendary rapper and radio personality MC Lyte will also serve as the DJ for the after-party, which is sponsored by Google(r). "ESSENCE has been committed, throughout our history, to pay homage to those whose mission is aligned with ours-which is to always seek ways to empower and uplift the African-American community." said Constance C.R. White, Editor-in-chief, ESSENCE. "Our stellar honorees have worked to impact change in the areas of education and STEM within their individual communities and in the African-American community at-large. We applaud their efforts as they continue their admirable work." "ESSENCE is excited to once again partner with the Southern Company for our 4th annual Evening of Excellence ceremony during CBC Weekend, particularly with the 2012 general election as a lens to illuminate critical political and economic issues that interest our audience." said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications, Inc. "I'm also excited about this year's Evening of Excellence honorees, who are innovative thinkers and game changers and demonstrate a selfless dedication to empowering Black women and our communities. We thank our partners, Southern Company and Perennial Strategy Group, for working with us to shine a light on the contributions of these extraordinary leaders." The annual Evening of Excellence has become one of the highlights of CBCF weekend. Previous honorees include: U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee; musician & activist Dr. Henry Panion, III; Morehouse College president Robert M. Franklin, Jr.; CNN's Suzanne Malveaux; NFL star Warrick Dunn; TV personality and author Judge Glenda Hatchett; philanthropist, entrepreneur and filmmaker Sheila C. Johnson; The HollyRod Foundation founders Rodney Peete & Holly Robinson Peete; radio host Tom Joyner; fitness guru Donna Richardson-Joyner; and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin. "It's an honor to salute those who take action and constantly seek ways to champion the cause for education," said Chris Womack, executive vice president and president, external affairs, Southern Company. "Bringing change where change is needed is never easy, so paying tribute to those who have made that contribution is a privilege for our company, which itself has a long history of community involvement and of being a citizen in the truest sense. We thank them for all they do." "I'm so pleased to once again, partner with ESSENCE and Southern Company in presenting an 'Evening of Excellence,' an event that over the years has become an institution in this exciting week of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Leadership Conference," said Lamell McMorris, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Perennial Strategy Group. "Additionally, I welcome the partnership with Google(r) in this year's event; their emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math is critical to the dialogue of increasing African-American participation in these important fields. I look forward to their involvement in advancing these issues in our communities for years to come." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.