February 14, 2006

Willie E. Gary, Prominent Attorney and Chairman of the Black Family Channel, Serves as Keynote Speaker at Southern University at Shreveport’s Black History Month Convocation
in Shreveport, Louisiana

Willie E. Gary Honored with Appreciation Award
for Assisting Hurricane Katrina Victims

Stuart, FL-- Willie E. Gary, prominent attorney and chairman of the Black Family Channel, recently served as the keynote speaker at Southern University at Shreveport’s (SUSLA) Black History Month Convocation in Shreveport, Louisiana. The motivational event provided students with valuable insight into how to better live purposeful lives.

Gary addressed over 1,500 students, faculty and political leaders during Southern University at Shreveport’s Black History Month Convocation entitled “Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social and Civic Institutions,” in an attempt to motivate them to strive for excellence in their lives. He also urged attendees to remember the great men and women who fought for civil rights and, in turn, have provided many of the opportunities Americans enjoy today. Students were inspired by Gary’s message. Many lined up afterwards to shake his hand and pose for photos.

During the event, State Representative Cedric Glover honored Gary with an Appreciation Award from the state of Louisiana, for his relief efforts following hurricane Katrina. In the aftermath of the hurricane, Gary used his private jet to transport desperately needed supplies to the evacuees in Houston, Texas.  Gary also invited hurricane victims aboard the “Wings of Justice,” to be transported to loved ones across the country to start a new life. The university greatly appreciated all that Gary has done to help those in need, since they too suffered losses due to Hurricane Katrina and are currently in the rebuilding process.

“Black History Month is a great time to reflect and remember those who sacrificed, so that you may have the opportunity of attaining a higher education,” said Gary. “It is a time to plan for your future, in addition to seeking ways to give back to your communities and serve as role models for boys and girls,” continued Gary.

Gary is noted for taking on some of America’s most powerful companies--winning billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. Gary is also the Chairman of the Black Family Channel, America’s only minority owned and operated, 24-hour cable network. Known for his philanthropic endeavors, he and his wife, Dr. Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to his alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.