- Chef G. Garvin Is Part of a Year-Long Platform that Inspires People to Spend Time Together Over Family Meals and Celebrate Black History Month -

(BLACK PR WIRE)–ATLANTA, February 16, 2011 – Sweet, spicy or savory? Whatever your taste, Coca-Cola and celebrity Chef G. Garvin are cooking up a range of delicious dishes for Black History Month.

This February, Coca-Cola and Chef Garvin are celebrating tastes reflective of black history by showing people how to cook and enjoy culturally relevant meals through a story-style cookbook. Illustrated by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson with poetry by Brooke Campbell, the Black History Month Cookbook encourages moments of family togetherness. The cookbook’s story is complemented by recipes from Chef Garvin and tips on how to celebrate Black History Month with friends, family and food.

Now through March 12, the commemorative cookbook is free to people who purchase any three Coca-Cola products and enter the accompanying codes online at MyCokeRewards.com. The My Coke Rewards promotional offer will be available while supplies last.

“Coca-Cola has celebrated the achievements and history of African Americans through Black History Month for more than 40 years,” said Seth Freeman, senior brand manager, African American Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “Through our collaboration with Chef G. Garvin, we’re continuing this tradition and celebrating the distinctive tastes of black history. Offering this unique cookbook through My Coke Rewards, makes it easy for friends and families to come together over delicious culturally-inspired meals they’re sure to love.”

The cookbook features savory recipes from Chef Garvin as well as more than a dozen original illustrations by Nelson. A section of the cookbook has been designed for people to insert their personal family photos and recipes.

“Spending time with friends and family is so important, and there’s absolutely no better way to do that than by enjoying quality time during a great, home-cooked meal served with an ice-cold Coke,” said Garvin. “Together, Coca-Cola and I have created an easy way for families to have fun and create special moments around the table.”

During the celebration of Black History Month, Coca-Cola and Chef Garvin are kicking off their year-long partnership dedicated to bringing friends and family together at mealtimes. Throughout the year, the program will offer interactive tools and information to families that will help them create delicious, quick and easy meals. The partnership will also extend into existing programs such as Coke Family Night. Coca-Cola’s partnership with Chef G. Garvin will be promoted through point-of-sale material, local media and online.

About Chef G. Garvin
Acclaimed chef, cookbook author and host Gerry Garvin (a.k.a. G. Garvin) is most widely known for his television series, Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin, now in its seventh season on TV One and currently running in Brazil. The shows increasing popularity has earned the talented artist a second series on the same network entitled G. Garvin: The Road Tour, which premiered in 2007 as a special presentation. Garvin has mastered offering a one-size-fits-all approach to cooking- sophisticated simplicity- proving that even the most basic cooking palate can create the most flavorful of dishes.

Garvin is also a notable author. His first cookbook, NAACP nominate "Turn Up the Heat" with G. Garvin (Wiley & Sons) debuted in October 2006. Garvin's highly anticipated sophomore effort, “Make it Super Simple” with G. Garvin, a collection of recipes for super simple, healthful and delectable dishes, was chosen as a participant in the 2006 Library of Congress National Book Festival. Garvin's third cookbook, aptly titled, “Dining In”, released in October 2008 and was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award. "Dining In" features all new, fine dining recipes that will provide even the most inexperienced cooks with recipes and guidance to create the most impressive gourmet meals at home. In 2011, through the One Bite Productions expect the release of his memoir, The Making of A Chef.

About My Coke Rewards
With more than 15 million registered members, www.mycokerewards.com is one of the top consumer packaged goods loyalty websites and the number one beverage website in the U.S. My Coke Rewards helps consumers find lots of little and big things that put a smile on their face every time they enjoy a Coca-Cola product. Consumers may join My Coke Rewards by going online and setting up a rewards account at www.mycokerewards.com. Members then accumulate points by entering the My Coke Rewards codes found under the cap or on inside flap of fridge packs of any of the hundreds of participating Coca-Cola products in a variety of brands and sizes. My Coke Rewards codes may also be found on bonus offers on cups, scratch cards and coupons. Members then easily redeem rewards for great prizes and gifts, enter sweepstakes or donate points to their local school, favorite charity or cause. Since its inception in 2006, My Coke Rewards members have entered more than 1 billion codes from participating brands.

About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio features 14 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.