UNCF Mourns the Passing of Lou Rawls

UNCF Mourns the Passing of Lou Rawls

Legendary Entertainer Raised Millions of Dollars for College Students

FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- "The entire United Negro College Fund (UNCF) family mourns the passing of Lou Rawls, whose distinctive voice graced the entertainment scene for more than 40 years," announced Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., President and CEO of UNCF. "Our prayers are with his family, now."

Since 1979, as founder and perennial star of the annual telecast, the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars, now known as An Evening of Stars, Lou has used his talent and energy to help young African Americans get the education they need and deserve. Tens of thousands of college-educated men and women are the beneficiaries of his dedication and enormous generosity.

Rawls is recognized for conceiving the program in 1979 and in 2004 he was the tribute honoree" during the 25th airing of An Evening of Stars. This year's An Evening of Stars was recorded in September 2005 and will air nationwide this weekend, January 6-8, 2006.

"Twenty-seven years ago, Lou was one of the earliest entertainers to understand the power of celebrity to do good," continued Lomax. "Although Lou was ill at the time of the taping, participating in this annual UNCF event was something he wanted to do. Here again, we saw Lou's commitment to helping students advance their dream of a college education."

The United Negro College Fund has lost a friend. Lou Rawls lent his magnificent voice to an organization whose sole mission is to help students get the college education they need and deserve but could not otherwise afford.

Source: United Negro College Fund

CONTACT: UNCF Communications, +1-703-205-3404

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