---Making money---
"I make money." That could be the personal credo of many Americans who work. But for the men and women employed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) -- that statement is literal. These are the people who actually make the dollars the rest of us like to collect, spend and save. It was, in fact, one of the BEP's top-ranking officials, William W. Wills, an African American, who made that literal statement about his work during a recent interview. Wills is the Bureau's chief operating officer (COO), and one of the top ranking officials in charge of the production of all U.S. paper currency. Wills joins a long line of African-Americans who are a part of the history of the creation and production of currency at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. At present, he is the only African-American to head one of five directorates of the BEP. He is only the second African-American to hold the position of COO at the BEP. He began his career at the BEP in 1966 in the Office of Engineering and subsequently was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility. For the full story, go to www.unityfirst.com.

---Take your business to the next level with "Business Connections for Profitability"---On November 13, 2003 in New York City, corporations and businesses will gather to get the bottom line on recent diversity and business trends. "Business Connections for Profitability," a seminar/briefing, is designed to share business leadership and diversity strategies for companies -- while helping attendees create new business and relationships that count. Collectively, the insights to be presented document the newest 'reality' for diversity and business success across markets, industries and geographies. The best part of the briefing is cultivating new relationships with businesses, having meaningful discussions about boosting the bottom line and creating more lasting relationships that have long-term benefit. Attend and receive a complimentary copy of Mosaica, the newest diversity, business and public relations directory and Fortune Magazine's 2003 diversity special section. For more on this seminar, which will be held in New York City or to register, send an email to NYseminar@unityfirst.com or call 800-286-3659. Seating is limited, so get your registration in soon.

---National Urban League opposes Proposition 54---
National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial joined with the Urban League's California affiliates to announce the League's opposition to Proposition 54, the California ballot initiative prohibiting identification of individuals by race, ethnicity, color or nation of origin. Speaking at a press conference with John W. Mack, president of the Los Angeles Urban League, and the California Association of Urban League Executives (CAULE), along with other prominent African-American and Latino community leaders, Morial charged that the proposed amendment would dramatically undermine anti-discrimination enforcement activity and plunge the state back to a pre-Civil Rights era when local governments turned a blind eye to institutionalized racial discrimination practices. "Proposition 54 would jeopardize the collection of crucial statistical information that is used to ensure quality health care for African Americans, Hispanics and other minorities in California," John W. Mack, president of the Los Angeles Urban League, said. "The ability to collect this data is critical since many health problems affect different races disproportionately." The Urban League officials pointed out that numerous state and federal programs require the collection of racial identification data in order to ensure that public institutions enact and enforce anti-discrimination policies. Passage of Proposition 54 would thus undermine important anti-discrimination activity and prevent California from complying with the requirements of numerous federal programs in education, criminal justice, and healthcare. With a population that is 46 percent white, 35 percent Hispanic, 12 percent Asian and Pacific Islander, 6 percent black and 1 percent other, California is one of the most diverse states in the nation. It is imperative that it leads the nation in developing effective tools to create equity among its residents. As other states increasingly rely on racial demographic data to correct racial discrimination, California cannot afford to fall behind.

---Health Insurance Program for Minority Businesses---
Southern California Minority Business Development Council, the region's largest nonprofit minority business advocacy organization, announced the launch of a new health insurance program for certified minority businesses. The council, working in conjunction with Insurance Clerk, the largest minority-owned insurance brokerage and consulting firm in the nation, has begun offering affordable, top-quality health insurance benefits through the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Health Insurance Program. "Most companies are faced with the challenge of providing affordable health insurance benefits for their employees, but small and minority businesses find it even more difficult," says John W. Murray, Jr., SCMBDC president, who cited a recent survey showing that only about two-thirds of small businesses offer employee health benefits. "Our program helps minority businesses purchase affordable health insurance benefits." Insurance Clerk has a multicultural service team that speaks more than a dozen languages.

---'Take a Loved One to the Doctor'---
U.S. Heath and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson called on racial and ethnic minority communities to help eliminate health care disparities by participating in Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Minority communities suffer disproportionately from diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer, stroke and infant mortality. Doctor Day is a cornerstone of the Department's Closing the Health Gap educational campaign designed to improve health among racial and ethnic minority populations. The focus of the day is to encourage individuals to take charge of their health by visiting a health professional; making an appointment for a check-up or screening; and encouraging a friend, neighbor or family member to do the same. More than 400 national, state and local organizations spanning 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have partnered with HHS to promote Doctor Day and host activities in their communities.

---National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week (Sept 14-20) ---
The following is an excerpt from a statement by the President of the U.S. George Bush: "Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a distinguished past and an important future in providing higher education for Americans throughout our country. As we celebrate National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we recognize these institutions for their dedication to academic excellence. And we reaffirm our Nation's commitment to equal educational opportunities for all Americans. The struggles and many successes of America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities are the struggles and successes of our Nation. Today, our Nation's 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities are building on their commitment to excellence and their integral position within our higher education system. Our Nation must continue to support these schools for the sake of our students and our future. In 2002, I signed an Executive Order supporting the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help find new ways to strengthen these schools. My Administration also has sought to increase fiscal year 2004 funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities by 5 percent, requesting more than $224 million.

---Opening September 19: "The Fighting Temptations"---
In the movie set to open on September 19, "The Fighting Temptations", a struggling New York advertising executive, (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), travels to his small hometown in Georgia to claim an inheritance, but finds he must create a gospel choir and lead it to success before he can collect. Sparks fly when he meets the perfect lead singer (Beyonce Knowles), who rocks his world and the entire town.

---Send your news, events and press releases to editors@unityfirst.com! ---

For more information on African American Newswire, a national press release distribution service targeting the diverse press or UnityFirst.com, call 413-734-6444 or send email to editors@unityfirst.com.

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