(BLACK PR WIRE) OAK BROOK, IL (February 6, 2008) —McDonald’s Corporation continues its unwavering commitment to economic empowerment, academic and professional achievement and community development with their sponsorship of Tavis Smiley’s annual “State of the Black Union 2008: Reclaiming Our Democracy, Deciding Our Future” symposium. The 2008 State of the Black Union (SOBU) weekend will commence in New Orleans February 22 and 23 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The symposium will provide a national forum for leading African-American educators, social scientists, business leaders and clergy to discuss economic empowerment, the development and rebuilding of communities, as well as continues support of communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

“McDonald’s continued commitment to the African-American community has been instrumental to the success of our corporation. Through our sponsorship of the State of the Black Union, we understand the importance of uniting some of the most recognized intellectual minds to discuss issues affecting the African-American community. We will continue to create opportunities that speak to our constant support of economic empowerment, academic and professional achievement and community development,” says Carol Sagers, Director, U.S. Marketing, and McDonald’s USA.

The SOBU sponsorship is a rich collaborative relationship as it reinforces and speaks to the existing initiatives supported by the McDonald’s Corporation, a leading trailblazer among corporate relationships. Additionally, McDonald’s consistent support of academic opportunities and achievement for African-Americans is a pivotal initiative for the corporation. McDonald’s continues to support the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, United Negro College Fund and scholarships programs provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities®, to name a few.

In addition to promoting academic achievement, McDonald’s has a longstanding commitment to economic empowerment. McDonald’s, with the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA), continues to provide and support entrepreneurial opportunities for African-Americans. The NBMOA is one of the largest and most successful organization of African-American franchisees in the U.S. Today more than 300 African-Americans own more than 1,200 McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.

As further evidence of their support of African-American communities, McDonald’s immediately invested millions of dollars in supporting, employing, rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. “The contributions of this corporation are stellar illustrations of how McDonald’s is deeply rooted in the community 365 days a year,” says New Orleans McDonald’s Owner Operator Henry Coaxum.



About McDonald’s
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information about McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com.

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