Chairman and CEO of Dallas-based AT&T to serve as chairman of NAACP 2009-2010 corporate campaign

by PegNews wire

AT&T chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson will serve as the chairman of the 2009-2010 corporate campaign of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. This year's corporate campaign kicks off as the NAACP celebrates 100 years as an advocate for equality and social justice in the United States. AT&T's role in chairing the campaign will be recognized at the NAACP's annual meeting on Feb. 21.

The fundraising goal for the NAACP's centennial campaign, which lasts through the summer of 2010, is $5 million. AT&T kicked off the drive with a leadership gift of $500,000 for youth and college programs, and donated an additional $1 million in the last three years. All contributions are used to support NAACP education initiatives, community programs and events throughout the nation. Over the past 25 years, AT&T has provided more than $11 million in grants and contributions to support similar NAACP initiatives. Additionally, one of AT&T's past presidents served as the chairman of the NAACP's first corporate campaign in 1979.

"The NAACP does tremendous work with communities across the country, including programs geared toward keeping kids in school," said Stephenson. "Its endeavors are essential, and I am personally honored -- on behalf of AT&T -- to chair this historic campaign. I am especially passionate about this because the NAACP's programs focus on youth in America -- making sure they stay in school, get an outstanding education and are prepared to become productive members of the workforce."

Ben Jealous, CEO of the NAACP, said: "AT&T's diversity leadership for employees, customers and the business community sets an example for companies throughout America. What's especially significant is that our centennial corporate campaign will be chaired by the same company that led our first such campaign 30 years ago."

Source: AT&T