Highlighting Black Innovators

 DALLAS -- AT&T* aims to inspire, motivate and challenge consumers to rethink what they can achieve in their lives through its AT&T 28 Days Black History Month campaign this February. The AT&T 28 Days program returns for a third year with a focus on celebrating past history makers and a look at new innovators through a free exclusive speaker series. AT&T created 28 Days in 2009 to highlight February as more than a reflection of the past, but as an unimaginable footprint to what the future holds beyond Black History Month. 

"This year, AT&T wants consumers to look at today's history makers and innovators, who are changing the world we live in and truly speak to the core of 'Rethink Possible'," said Jennifer Jones, vice president of Diverse Markets, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We are committed to pushing the limits of what's achievable everyday through innovation and investments in programs that educate and empower our diverse consumers."

Award winning hip-hop artist, actor and activist Common will serve as the exclusive host and moderator for the 2011 AT&T 28 Days speaker series, which will showcase five individuals who are making their own page in African American history in the fields of technology, media, fashion, politics, and business. Stops on the five-city AT&T 28 Days speaker series tour include:Atlanta on Monday, Feb. 7; Chicago on Thursday, Feb. 17; Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Feb. 22; Harlem on Feb. 24; and Oakland on Monday, Feb. 28. 

At each speaking event, participants will be inspired to make history and innovations in their own lives and two lucky winners will be randomly selected to receive new AT&T smartphones.

"The talent AT&T selected for the speaker series are great examples of today's trendsetters who are making history everyday in their communities," said Jones. "Each speaker offers a unique perspective and will inspire anyone who attends these events."

The AT&T 28 Days campaign is just one of the ways AT&T supports education, business and technology within the African American community. AT&T's sponsorship of the 32nd annual UNCF An Evening of Stars® Tribute to Chaka Khan reflects a 25-year collaborative partnership with UNCF celebrating music industry legends and empowering people to pursue higher education.  Now consumers can share in the celebration with unique access to exclusive behind the scenes show footage at www.att.net/uncf, on AT&T Mobile Video, and on AT&T U-verse Video on Demand. UNCF An Evening of Stars® Tribute to Chaka Khan aired nationally on BET and WGN and on many local stations across the country in January. UNCF An Evening of Stars®kicked off the multitude of broadcasting programs AT&T is supporting this Black History Month that highlight past history makers and future innovators, such as the Dr. Maya Angelou, My Soul Looks Back exclusive interview series on National Public Radio and TV One's One Solution Vignettes.