Kmart Brings New Focus to African-American Landmarks In Celebration of Black History Month
As part of its ongoing commitment to support the achievement of African Americans, Kmart Corporation (Pink Sheets: KMRTQ) announced this morning it is joining forces with the National Park Foundation's African American Experience Fund (AAEF). In celebration of Black History Month, Kmart is launching a nationwide program intended to build awareness, interest and visitation at AAEF sites, which recognize the historical impact of African Americans in US history.
Among the 385 national parks in 49 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are a group of 17 historic sites and parks that share the stories of significant African-American events and history-making citizens in our country's past, including the Booker T. Washington National Monument, Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, George Washington Carver National Monument, and the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, among others.
In recognition of Black History Month, Kmart's "Celebrate the Journey" campaign reminds everyone that when remembering the significant contributions of African Americans: It's as simple as a walk in the park. The program, which runs from January 13 through February 28, consists of in-store displays, print and radio advertising as well as online programming that provides additional information on the AAEF sites and how important it is for all Americans to visit and support them.
"The African American Experience Fund is pleased to partner with Kmart on such an important part of U.S. History-Black History," said Cynthia Morris, executive director of the National Park Foundation's AAEF. "These sites serve as cultural, educational and historical landmarks for all who want to learn more about the African-American experience in our country."
"At Kmart, we believe it is important to recognize the significant accomplishments and sacrifices that African Americans have made to our nation -- not only during Black History Month, but throughout the year," said Steve Feuling, senior vice president of Marketing, Kmart Corporation. "We are committed to educating all Americans about this important part of our history."
In addition to partnering with the AAEF during Black History Month, beginning February 2, Kmart will unveil a new weekly entertainment and lifestyle newspaper supplement designed to resonate with urban and African American customers. Entitled Urban Direct, its initial distribution of one million copies will be circulated to nine select markets including: Atlanta; Baltimore; Chicago; Detroit; East Brunswick, New Jersey; Long Island, New York; Miami; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C.
New York-based multicultural marketing communications firm, The Chisholm- Mingo Group, Inc., developed Kmart's African American Experience Fund campaign. Founded in 1977, CMG is 100% minority owned.
Based in Washington, DC, the African American Experience Fund (AAEF) is an official fund of the National Park Foundation (NFP), the congressionally charted 501c (3) non-profit partner of the National Park Service.
Kmart Corporation is a mass merchandising company that serves America through its Kmart and Kmart SuperCenter retail outlets. The Company's common stock is currently quoted on the Pink Sheets Electronic Quotation Service (www.pinksheets.com ) under the symbol KMRTQ. More information about Kmart multicultural initiatives may be found at www.kmart.com .
SOURCE: Kmart Corporation
CONTACT: Susan Dennis of Kmart Corporation, +1-248-463-1021,
sdennis1@kmart.com ; or Adrienne Rhodes of Chisholm-Mingo, +1-212-375-6060,
arhodes@chisholm-mingo.com
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