Next Generation Awareness Foundation Announces Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series Tour Through Mid-Atlantic and Georgia

Numerous Celebrities, Filmmakers and Playwrights Involved / Authors Row, Workshops, Artists, Vendors, Great Blacks in Wax Display and Poetry Exhibition / Celebrities Vanessa Williams, Mark Brown, Yvette Freeman, Gary Clark, Maceo, Cast of HBO's The Wire and others assist / Baltimore, DC, Richmond and Atlanta to be Toured

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) February 1, 2005 -- Next Generation Awareness Foundation, Inc. ("NGAF") joins with Another "CJ" Production to launch UrbanFilmSeries.com and announces that its much-anticipated historic Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series will tour Baltimore, the District of Columbia, Richmond, and Atlanta. Each Saturday, beginning February 5th, the series commences with notable filmmakers, historians, celebrities, American heroes, authors, poets, vendors and groups who will share their experiences and life's work with attendees. The month-long fundraising event is part of the foundation's 'Can-I-Ask-U' philosophy of programs and service, namely Coordinated Awareness Believing In Achievement Through Skills Development and Uplift.

Over 80 film entries were received and nearly 40 community and industry leaders requested to be included in this year's Series. The 2005 Series will play host to actresses Vanessa Williams and Yvette Freeman, Redskins Legend Gary Clark, Maceo (De La Soul) numerous actresses, authors, poets filmmakers, playwrights, and others. 'We feel that the selection of films and personalities will provide many metropolitan communities with a first-ever set of events designed for up-close and intimate interaction with many local and national African-American heroes, filmmakers, celebrities and artists,' says Corey Jennings, founder and Project Director. 'NGAF has two goals for the Series: to provide exposure to the rich cultural and artistic legacy of African-Americans, and to serve as a tribute to the 44th Anniversary of the famous sit-in on February 1, 1960, at the F.W. Woolworth Company store in Greensboro, North Carolina,' which sparked coordinated efforts by students and national organizations to make the dream of equality a reality.

"This year's events will be outstanding, says Corey. "Communities deserve to be reacquainted with the experiences and contributions of persons and organizations that have made history and continue to set new trends in the motion picture industry, Therefore, From garnering the support of local legends like Washington Redskins' legend Gary Clark, to a Poetry Exhibition hosted by cast from HBO's 'The Wire', to showcasing filmmaker Mark Brown's 'The Salon', his follow-up to his already outstanding credits (Barbershop, Barbershop 2: Back in Business, Two Can Play That Game, How to Be a Player), to a discussion and workshop with noted prime-time actress and filmmaker Yvette Freeman ('ER'), to entire afternoons with celebrity actress, filmmaker and director Vanessa Williams (NAACP Image Award winner, Showtime's 'Soul Food', New Jack City, Cosby Show, Melrose Place), there is something for all audiences to enjoy.' To further support NGAF's goals of greater arts awareness, the 2005 Series will include an Author's Row, where authors from across the nation can autograph and sell their books with other vendors. The Series will also include a special Urban Film Series Theatre night done in conjunctions with Arena Stage Theatre, whereby patrons will be entitled to special discounted rates for an entire weekend. This year's play that is specially selected by NGAF is the Tony-Award winning "Hallelujah, Baby!"

Press/Media: Many of this year's events have great media and public significance. Members of the press, should contact us at press@urbanfilmseries.com or 202-409-7240 to provide media credentials, obtain promo pictures, or to schedule interviews, media sessions and appearances.

Vendors/Authors/Poets: Vendors and authors wishing to participate in this years Series or in the Author's Row, please contact us at vendors@UrbanFilmSeries.com.

Sponsors: Sponsorship signage and marketing opportunities are still available. Contact us at info@UrbanFilmSeries.com.

Ticketing/Prices: In an effort to support the Arts and spread awareness, this year's ticket prices range from $10-15 per session and simply $25 per day. Visiting us at NGAF.org and UrbanFilmSeries.com after January 21st to get your tickets online. Group rates of 5 or more all day passes are available. All funds are used to cover expenses and execute the foundation's programs.

2005 Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series Schedule

Baltimore - February 5, 2005 - 'Oh, The Many Faces'

Maryland Institute College of Arts - Brown Center - 1300 Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217 - 11am - 9pm

Washington, DC - February 12, 2005 - 'This Is How'

AFI Theatre - Silver II - 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910 - 11pm - 7pm

Richmond, VA - February 19, 2005 - Breaking Ground: A Day With Vanessa Williams

Byrd Theatre, 2908 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA, 23221 - 11am - 6:30pm

Atlanta, Ga - Last Weekend In March

Hosted by Vanessa Williams - Schedule Details Forthcoming

For details of this year's schedule, sessions, personalities, and films, please visit www.UrbanFilmSeries.com or view the complete press release at www.ngaf.org.

Contact: Corey Jennings

(202) 409-7240

Next Generation Awareness Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 6885, Alexandrian, VA 22306

Press@UrbanFilmSeries.com

www.NGAF.org

www.UrbanFilmSeries.com

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