NFL Star Plaxico Burress Partners with National Urban League

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Teresa Candori, National Urban League (212) 558-5433 or (646) 319-0891

PLAXICO BURRESS PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE FOR CELEBRITY EMPOWERMENT CHALLENGE & BRADY CENTER TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE Marc H. Morial, Tony Dungy and Magic Johnson to serve as mentors

NEW YORK (June 13, 2011) -- In commitment to volunteerism and community service, wide receiver Plaxico Burress today announced a new partnership with the National Urban League and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

"I want to see every child have a chance to succeed," Burress said. "I have an opportunity to make a difference, and the National Urban League is on the front lines, creating opportunities."

Burress today announced that he is partnering with the National Urban League Celebrity Empowerment Challenge, committing his time and talent to volunteering with National Urban League youth programs that emphasize health, education and anti-violence, and pledging to recruit other professional athletes to do the same.

"Plaxico Burress is one of the nation's most prominent examples of the power of opportunity," said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. "As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, he's admirably decided to put public service at the forefront and I'm proud that he's chosen to direct his energy to the National Urban League."

The Urban League Celebrity Empowerment Challenge is a collaborative initiative between the Urban League and Mr. Burress. Leading by example, the initiative enlists leaders and prominent figures in a joint effort with the Urban League to contribute their unique talents, resources and life lessons to:

• provide at-risk youth in urban communities with tools and resources to fight childhood obesity;
• mentor youth and young adults; • promote mental and physical health and fitness for youth and young adults; and
• inspire positive, strategic choice and healthy relationships that support youth’s readiness for college, work and life.

In a news conference today at the National Urban League headquarters in New York, Burress signed a pledge to spearhead and inspire the Urban League Celebrity Empowerment Challenge, including a commitment to mentor youth and young adults on the principles of the campaign.

Burress also partnered with the Brady Center to combat gun violence.

"We're eager to work with Plaxico as he speaks to audiences young and old, inside and outside of sports, to help prevent gun violence," said Brady Center President Paul Helmke. "He has learned directly, and painfully, about the risks of gun ownership, and understands that he has an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, athletes, and the entire sports community. The Brady Center is pleased to partner with Plaxico in this heartfelt mission."

Morial, Magic Johnson and former NFL Coach Tony Dungy will mentor Burress as he embarks on a path of service and volunteerism.

"I am very excited to see Plaxico Burress becoming involved with community service and mentoring,” Dungy said. “I really believe he is going to have a positive impact on many people, but especially our young people, as he focuses his efforts on helping them examine their decision making and reducing gun violence. I look forward to helping him and his family in any way I can."

Burress said he hopes he can become a role model for young people.

"So many people have helped me along the way, and I'm grateful for the chance to do the same for other young people," he said.

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*** The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy. Today, there are more than 100 local affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide.