PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Celebrating African American Male Achievement

(NAPSM)-From enterprise and innovation to finance, academia, medicine and more, African American men continue to make significant contributions to the American landscape. In celebration of African American male achievement and to address rising joblessness and unemployment among African American men in Atlanta and Chicago, a new job training and mentoring program began in February 2008 in observance of Black History Month. This unprecedented initiative will provide tangible opportunities to promising individuals and support the efforts of social service organizations that work tirelessly to uplift and empower underserved communities.

The focal point of the Seagram's Gin Pursuit of Excellence program is a rigorous, four-week training session administered by the Chicago Urban League and the Atlanta Workforce Development Office, respectively. The Pursuit of Excellence Institute is designed to provide hands-on job training and mentoring for adult males who are either underemployed or seeking employment while showing great courage in the face of poverty and challenge as they pursue their paths to excellence.

"Seagram's has long been at the forefront of innovative initiatives and activities designed to celebrate and support the communities in which we do business," says Bill Cherrie, Vice President, Multicultural Marketing for Pernod Ricard USA, parent company of Seagram's. "It is only natural that we extend our cause-related platform to include this new program that both celebrates African American men and recognizes the efforts of such phenomenal organizations as the Chicago Urban League and Atlanta's Workforce Development Office."

The program will pair participants with successful and inspiring individuals for one-on-one mentoring and guidance. In addition to completing weekly take-home assignments, participants will attend multiple training sessions. They will receive computer training, attend interview skill workshops, participate in self-esteem-building exercises and technical training classes, while gaining insights on dress-for-success and financial empowerment strategies. Each participant will receive a $500 stipend, a briefcase with weekly lesson plans and supplies, as well as a suit of clothing. One outstanding participant from each city will receive a $2,500 fellowship and career-focused wardrobe.

The program will culminate with special graduation receptions in each city in early spring.

"Nationwide, African American unemployment is at a record high-9 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The Seagram's Gin Pursuit of Excellence program will undoubtedly shine a much-needed spotlight on the issue and set the stage for others in the private sector to follow suit," adds Mr. Cherrie.

A new program is helping African American men overcome employment and financial obstacles.