(LOS ANGELES, CA) - April 10, 2019 - Urban One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes made history as the first African American woman to be inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Broadcasting Radio Hall of Fame on April 8, in Las Vegas. To date, there have only been three women inducted into the NAB's Broadcasting Radio Hall of Fame in its 42-year history. 
 
Reflecting on the honor, Hughes said, "It is an honor to be recognized by the peers in my industry and I thank God for this incredible blessing as well as the National Association of Broadcasters."
 
A self-made media pioneer, activist and philanthropist, Hughes grew Urban One, parent company of Radio One, Inc., into the largest African-American owned, diversified media corporation in the nation. Radio One, Inc. will celebrate 40 years in 2020. Urban One is an urban market leader with 59 broadcast stations across the country. Hughes also became the first woman to own a radio station that was ranked number one in a major market. Today, the company is run by her son Alfred Liggins, III.
 
The NAB Hall of Fame event was hosted by "Entertainment Tonight's" Kevin Frazier, with an induction ceremony where media, entertainment and technology professionals gathered to honor those who have made radio and television a vital part of the American lifestyle - earning them a place in broadcasting history. The event also recognized broadcasters' commitment to innovating and creating new opportunities to deliver their highly valued content to their audiences. Other honorees included the landmark football pre-game show "FOX NFL SUNDAY," which was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame; and Wendy McMahon, President, ABC Owned Television Stations Group, who received The Digital Leadership Award.

On Saturday April 6, 2019, we were thrilled to be in attendance at the Soar Empowerment conference put on by T.D. Jakes and Black Enterprise.

The speakers were excellent and the messaging was timely and on point.  Everyone we came in contact with were excited about the information being shared by the presenters.

They are looking to expand the Soar concept and from what we experienced on their inaugural event, we think it will be a great addition to their event lineup.
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To learn more about the conference visit: www.BlackEnterprise.com/soar 

Blog Post - On Monday, January 28, 2019, a select group of Black business owners who are members of the AEI Startup Factory in Stonecrest, GA. organized a lunch to strategize on collaboration for 2019.  The group was comprised of  premium members of the fast growing co-working space and incubator.  

The lunch served as a way for the members to get to know each other better and to understand how they may be able to use each others skills and talents to increase their individual businesses in 2019.

Mr. Lucester Allen, owner of the AEI Startup Factory, as well as the management team of the AEI Startup Factory were present to give advice and share their plans for the upcoming year.

Businesses represented included:  Blake Vision Entertainment, Stephen Wicks Internet Development Company, BBLTV.net, BBLAdnetwork.com, True Mechanical, Inc., AA Financial Services, Fresh Start Financial Services, and Urban Home Entertainment, Faithwerks, BlackBusinessList.Com and more.

There was a spirit of cooperation and unity felt by all who attended.  Food was provided by the catering staff of the facility.

Many new collaborations and initiatives were launched as a result of the meeting.  Stay tuned for exciting developments coming from this powerful group of entrepreneurs.  We'll keep you posted on their progress.

To learn more, visit:  www.AEIStartupFactory.com

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Press Release

Sheryl Underwood, Founder of Pack Rat Foundation For Education (PRFFE), is pleased to announce the addition of radio personality and motivational speaker Warren Ballentine to the team as a consultant to the foundation.

Pack Rat Foundation For Education, (a California 501(c)3 organization), founded by philanthropist and Emmy award winning entertainer Sheryl Underwood, raises awareness and funds for all 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is focused on initiatives that support HBCUs.

Erna Foushee, Executive Director of PRFFE says, “It’s a pleasure to welcome someone as dynamic and talented as Warren Ballentine to the PRFFE team. Together, I believe we will make a tremendous impact on HBCUs all across the country.”

According to Underwood, “HBCUs have always provided access to the dream of a college education to underserved students. We all need to do our part to help these schools not only survive, but thrive, because there are young people that need what HBCUs offer, which is an excellent academic education in a culturally relevant environment.”

Ballentine says, “I’m so excited to be working with such a wonderful foundation! The vision of the foundation, and the genuine love we all have for its founder, is the same as mine. I look forward to all the work we will do and to helping and being a bridge to the foundation.” 

Warren Ballentine, a Chicago native, is an attorney, political activist and radio talk show host, who has used his platform as host of “The Warren Ballentine Show” and contributor to Sheryl Underwood Radio to be an advocate and champion for causes that impact African Americans. Ballentine is a thought-leader who has been featured in Ebony, JET magazine, The Atlanta Business Journal and the New York Times.

For more information on Pack Rat Foundation For Education call (818) 386-9485 or email: contactus@packratproductionsinc.com.

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About Sheryl Underwood

Sheryl Underwood, an Emmy-award winner for her role as co-host of THE TALK on CBS television, is viewed daily by nearly 3 million daytime viewers. With Sheryl at THE TALK table, the show garnered its first six Emmy nominations and a subsequent win for “Best Daytime Talk Show.” 

Sheryl has over 14 million listeners by the combined reach of the signals strength of 299 Sheryl Underwood Radio affiliates; has over 1 million social media followers and was voted one of the 10 most influential people on social media.

Underwood is CEO of Pack Rat Productions, Inc, a media and entertainment company; Founder and CEO of Pack Rat Foundation For Education, a California 501c3 organization focused on initiatives that support Historically Black Colleges and Universities and she is the 23rd International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a national Greek-letter organization that has a membership of over 100,000 engaged women. 

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Contact:

Rhue Still, Inc.