Barack Obama, Russell Simmons, B.B. King, Harry Belafonte and Issac Hayes Lend Their Voice to...

NEW YORK -- Exclusive Programming, Profiles, Interviews, Polls and More Offer Users an In-depth Look at Black Influence

AOL Black Voices, the premier site for African-American culture and community, celebrates Black History Month with an interactive look at the lives, stories and contributions

of significant African Americans in history (http://blackvoices.aol.com/black_news/black_history_month). Through a partnership with The HistoryMakers, the nation's largest African American video oral history archive headquartered in Chicago, IL, users can watch video interviews from significant figures including Senator Barack Obama, Russell Simmons, B.B. King, Harry Belafonte and Issac Hayes, among others.

"As one of the most comprehensive news organizations bringing Black culture and information to millions of people each month, AOL Black Voices is thrilled to focus a six week campaign looking at the contributions of Black Americans," said Nick Charles, Editor in Chief, AOL Black Voices. "Through video, audio and exclusive articles, we are bringing our community closer together to debate and rejoice in the rich history of black people."

The Black History Month hub will examine the past and present contributions of Black Americans through video profiles from individuals including Gordon Parks, Congressman John Lewis, Venus and Serena Williams, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. A "Did you Know?" feature will include daily historical factoids from The HistoryMakers archives about the impact of Blacks in politics, business, entertainment, music and spirituality from The HistoryMakers.

Additionally, the service will look at the impact of Black women in the business world including Oprah Winfrey, Madame CJ Walker, Cathy Hughes, Tracey Reese and many others. The area will also include Barbara Jordan's Keynote speech in its entirety from the 1976 Democratic convention, and a community area where users can post their stories, comment on important historical moments, check out quizzes, post message boards, vote on polls and more.

About AOL(R) Black Voices

With more than 2.4 million unique visitors according to the December 2005 comScore Media Metrix report, AOL(R) Black Voices is one of the leading online destinations for those interested in black culture. Available on the Web (www.blackvoices.com) and through AOL Keyword: Black Voices, this service features original stories and features in key programming areas including News, Sports, Work & Money, Lifestyle, Entertainment and Community.