Jesse Jackson!

JESSE JACKSON NAMED KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT 12TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT PINNACLE AWARDS IN HOUSTON

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Houston, TX (BlackNews.com) - The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., president and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, will deliver the keynote address at the 12th Annual African American Business Achievement Pinnacle Awards (Pinnacle Awards) gala. Jackson will address some 500 expected attendees at the black-tie event hosted by the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (HCCC). The Pinnacle Awards gala date has been changed to Friday, Oct. 13, 2006, to accommodate Jackson's schedule. The event location and time remain the same, The Houston Club, 811 Rusk Avenue, beginning at 7 p.m.

Jackson is one of America's foremost political figures. Over the past 30 years he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, and economic social justice.

He has been called the "conscience of the nation" and "the great unifier," challenging America to establish just and humane priorities. Jackson is known for bringing people together on common ground across lines of race, class, gender and belief.

"We're pleased to welcome Rev. Jackson to Houston and believe it's fitting as we honor African American business achievement and economic empowerment," said Val Thompson, executive director of HCCC. "Rev. Jackson has been at the forefront of civil rights and has influenced public policy to level the playing field for minority business owners for years."

The Pinnacle Awards spotlight and honor African-American businesses that have achieved success by combining vision, determination, commitment, perseverance and dedication to building strong communities.

The prior 44 Pinnacle Award recipients cross all business sectors and disciplines. Past winners include Houston business leaders such as: Dr. Wanda Mott, The Women's Specialists of Houston; Borris Miles, Borris L. Miles Insurance Agency; Deavra Daughtry, Excel E-Care; David Hollins, Sr., Hollins Financial Group; Darryl King, Quality Concession Foods, Inc.; DeAndre Sam, A-Rocket Moving & Storage; Al Colbert, Colbert Ball Tax Service; Harlon Brooks, Harlon's BBQ; David Harris, Best Staff Services; Anthony Chase, ChaseCom; and Jean D. Morency and Effie Booker, Cabana Car Wash, and many others.

The nomination deadline is Friday, Aug. 18, and forms may be obtained on the Chamber's Web site, www.hccoc.org or by calling 713-522-9745.

Gala sponsorships are available to demonstrate support and strengthen business ties to the African-American community. To request an underwriting package, please call 281-213-9554.

About Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce
Since 1935, the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce has represented the interests of and promoted greater unity among the African-American business community. Today, HCCC is evolving its programs to assist African-American businesses to become more diverse and move into the global arena. For more information, visit www.hccoc.org or call 713-522-9745.

About The Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a progressive organization that seeks to protect civil rights, even the economic and educational playing fields in all aspects of American life and bring peace to the world. For more information about the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, 930 E. 50th St. in Chicago, please visit www.rainbowpush.org, or telephone (773) 373-3366.

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