(AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSWIRE)CHICAGO, IL (April 20, 2004) - "That's Right, Oprah, I Whipped Her Butt!" and "War Is Not The Answer" led the way not only as two of the most provocative statements of 2003, but also as a pair of winning journalism entries in the 2003 A. Philip Randolph Messenger Awards.

Named in honor of pioneering newspaperman A. Philip Randolph-who published the radical Messenger for 11 years at the dawn of the 20th century-the journalism-focused awards are sponsored by Miller Brewing Company (MBCo), which has presented the annual awards since 1991, in conjunction with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

"The Black Press continues to serve as an important voice for the African-American community, and is a source of pride and mark of integrity that dates back more than 170 years," said Larry Waters, Director of the Sales Communications Group for Miller Brewing Company. "Miller is honored to partner with the NNPA to sponsor this event for the 13th year."

The prestigious Messenger Awards honors progressive journalistic achievement represented by the writers and editors of the NNPA. The Messenger Awards have been enhanced to provide a higher level of monetary recognition for journalists and newspapers. In addition to the awards, journalists in the sub-category of best overall editorial/commentary will receive $750 and the corresponding newspapers will receive $500 for non-profit organizations. Likewise, journalists in the sub-category of best overall news story will receive $1,500 and the corresponding newspapers will receive $1,000 for non-profit organizations. The Messenger Awards will be presented at a special luncheon during the NNPA annual convention (June 16-20) in New Orleans at the Wyndham Canal Place.

Cheryl Smith, a writer for the Dallas Weekly, who penned "That's Right, Oprah, I Whipped Her Butt!" took home the 2003 Messenger award for best editorial/commentary in Education; while Edmund W. Lewis of the Louisiana Weekly, won for his piece, "War Is Not The Answer," for best editorial/commentary in Civil Rights. Nia Ngina Meeks' article, "Financial Problems Jeopardize HBCUs" for the Philadelphia Tribune, won for best overall news story in Education; while Tracy Allen's "Out of Focus: Troubles Lead Networks Into Court Suit" for the Kansas City Call, took home the top prize for best overall news story in Civil Rights.

The deadline for all entries is Monday, April, 26. Please submit entries to: Flowers Communications Group, 542 S. Dearborn St., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60605. For more information and to request an application, call (312) 986-1250. All current members of the NNPA are eligible to submit entries. Each newspaper, however, is limited to a maximum of two articles published during the qualifying period: January 1, 2003 through February 29, 2004.

Selections may be news stories, editorials or commentary. Stories must be factual coverage of current events and may have local, regional, national or international significance. Coverage must bring awareness to a current event, trend or activity in the fields of civil rights or education (i.e., schools, curriculum, teaching methodology, selection criteria, etc.). Syndications will not be accepted. Stories submitted must have appeared in a member NNPA daily, Sunday or weekly. Reporting may be conducted by one reporter or a team.

Milwaukee-based Miller Brewing Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SABMiller plc, the world's second-largest brewer. Principal beer brands include Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft and Miller High Life. The company imports Foster's, produces SKYY Blue, Sauza Diablo, Stolichnaya Citrona and Jack Daniel's Original Hard Cola flavored malt beverages, and has primary products ICEHOUSE and Red Dog from the Plank Road Brewery, a small division of Miller. Specialty regional brands include Leinenkugel's and Henry Weinhard's. The company brews Sharp's, a non-alcohol brew, and has malt liquor brands including Olde English 800 and Mickey's Malt Liquor. More information is available at www.MillerBrewing.com.

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