Tavis Smiley to be a Key Player in America's 400th Anniversary

Tavis Smiley to be a Key Player in America's 400th Anniversary

Television and Radio Host, Moderator of 'State of the Black Union' Symposium to Lead Commemoration's African-American Conference Series in 2007

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Jamestown 2007, Inc., the organizers of America's 400th Anniversary, has announced that one of the country's most prominent African-American leaders will play a key role in this historic commemoration. Television and radio host Tavis Smiley, dubbed one of the nation's "captains of the airwaves" by Newsweek, will bring his annual "State of the Black Union" symposium to Virginia in February 2007 as part of the 18-month commemoration. The 2006 symposium was held this past weekend in Houston.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051111/DCF015LOGO )

The symposium, which addresses issues of importance to the African- American community, takes on added poignancy in 2007 as America commemorates the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, Va., the settlement where Africans were first introduced to America.

Since its inception in 1999, the "State of the Black Union" symposium has convened many of today's greatest African-American thought leaders and influencers to discuss key issues. Participants in the 2006 symposium include Cornel West, Harry Belafonte, Walter Mosley, Michelle Singletary and Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery.

"Jamestown changed the world in many ways, but perhaps it shaped our nation most profoundly the day Africans arrived," Smiley said. "I can't think of a more relevant place to talk about the issues facing our community today than the place where African culture became American culture."

Daphne Maxwell Reid, a member of Jamestown 2007's African-American Advisory Council and a member of the federal Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission, led early discussions with Smiley's producer. "Mr. Smiley's participation brings together two events of national significance and emphasizes the importance of each. The commemoration is being staged in part to ensure Americans understand that one of Jamestown's most important legacies was the creation of a multi-cultural society. We're using this opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of Africans to that society."

Belinda Anderson, president of Virginia Union University, serves as co- chair of the African-American Advisory Council. "America's 400th Anniversary will focus the world's attention on the Jamestown story, and Mr. Smiley's participation ensures the African component will receive the emphasis it deserves. This symposium is the perfect vehicle for addressing today's issues while we contemplate the past."

Other commemorative events spotlighting African-American contributions include a Preview Gala showcasing African-American artifacts, an African- American Commerce and Cultural Expo, a DVD Legacy Project highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a Trailblazer's Awards Gala, which will recognize the contributions of key African-Americans to today's society. The Trailblazer's Gala is sponsored by Richmond Region 2007, one of Jamestown 2007's many partners.

Jamestown 2007, a sub-agency of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, is coordinating efforts to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, Va., the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Jamestown is also the site of the nation's first representative government, free enterprise and multi-cultural society. State, national, and international commemorative events to salute these legacies begin in May 2006 and continue into 2008. Major corporate sponsors of America's 400th Anniversary include Norfolk Southern Corporation and Colonial Williamsburg. More information about the commemoration is available at http://www.americas400thanniversary.com/.

Vlloydsgam@aol.com, for Tavis Smiley

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051111/DCF015LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Jamestown 2007, Inc.

CONTACT: Shonali Burke, +1-202-974-5027, burkes@ruderfinn.com, for
Jamestown 2007; or Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati, +1-215-877-2012

Web site: http://www.americas400thanniversary.com/

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