NATIONAL FATHER-DAUGHTER INITIATIVE “DADDY’S PROMISE” LAUNCHED

Initiative Celebrates Strong, Positive Father-Daughter Relationships in the African American Community Founded by Award-Winning TV Journalist Ed Gordon

Initiative Sponsored by Bounty Nationwide Discussion Tour Sponsored by Ford Motor Company 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Partner in the Movement

(BLACK PR WIRE) New York, NY, June 15, 2008 — Daddy’s Promise: A Lifetime of Love, a new nationwide initiative celebrating the bonds between African American fathers and daughters, kicks off a national outreach campaign on June 12, 2008 at 100 Black Men of America’s 22nd Annual Conference at the Disney Yacht and Beach Club in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The brainchild of award-winning television journalist Ed Gordon, host of the nationally syndicated “Our World with Black Enterprise,” Daddy’s Promise is inspired by Gordon’s own relationship with his 14 year old daughter Taylor. The initiative’s mission is to create a national dialogue within and between African American families about the responsibility and rewards of the father-daughter bond. It will provide guidance and encouragement for fathers to help their daughters grow into independent and accomplished young women.

“Fathers play a crucial role in their daughters’ success, both personal and professional,” says Gordon. “The overwhelming response to an article I wrote for Essence magazine about my relationship with Taylor made it clear to me that there was a real need for information and support for fathering in the African American community. Everything we do with Daddy’s Promise will be designed to help Dads foster stronger, more positive relationships with their daughters.”

Daddy’s Promise is rolling out a yearlong initiative that includes a full schedule of community programs held with local chapters of 100 Black Men, churches and family organizations nationwide, hosting high profile, celebrity-driven events, and creating and distributing educational materials. The first year will culminate on Father’s Day, June 2009 with a celebrated Father-Daughter dance and the publication of a book by Ed Gordon, also titled “Daddy’s Promise.” illustrating father-daughter bonds.

An interactive website, www.daddyspromise.com, launching this coming Father’s Day, June 15, 2008, will provide downloadable copies of the Daddy’s Promise pledge, a symbolic declaration by fathers to be actively involved in their daughters’ lives. User will also be able to get guidelines and tips for raising extraordinary young women as well as view a national photo album where they’ll be able to upload their favorite photo of dad and his girl. Message boards will allow visitors to participate in open discussions about fatherhood and there will be an events calendar. Gordon will contribute a blog on to the site featuring his thoughts and interviews with national figures.

Procter & Gamble’s Bounty brand is the title sponsor of Daddy’s Promise. “Bounty has a history of supporting initiatives aimed at celebrating and strengthening families,” says Darice Thompson, assistant brand manager for Bounty. “We are proud to partner with Ed Gordon and to have this national dialogue about the father/daughter relationship with the African American community.” Bounty will host a healthy cooking workshop during the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. annual conference with celebrity chef, Rahman “Rock” Harper, winner of Hell’s Kitchen, season three along with his five year old daughter, Leah. The workshop is designed to foster an environment that provides dads and daughters time to nurture their special bond though cooking and cleaning up together.

Throughout the year long initiative, Bounty will also celebrate African American families by offering the opportunity to enter fathers (or father figures) and daughters in the “Bounty’s Promise” online contest for a chance to win Bounty prizes. More details will be available July 15, 2008 on www.daddyspromise.com.

Auto giant Ford is sponsoring newsmaker panel discussions, moderated by Gordon, across the country that will shine the spotlight on the importance of this special relationship. “Ford Motor Company has a 105 year history of educating people and building strong communities through our philanthropic efforts, said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Programs such as Daddy’s Promise bring to light the many similarities, goals and dreams we share as people. Through these discussions, families will be better informed and even more empowered to contribute positively to their lives and the lives of their children.”

100 Black Men of America, Inc. has also partnered with Daddy’s Promise to spread the word among men in the community. “We are very excited to support Mr. Gordon in this all-important initiative, which is very much in line with our overall mission” said Albert E. Dotson, Chairman of the Board of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Other key supporters of the campaign include The National Urban League, the NAACP, R&B crooner Will Downing, who has donated his song “Beautiful to Me,” written for his daughter, to Daddy’s Promise for use as their official theme song, and artist John Holyfield, renowned for his expressive depictions of African American family, spirituality and culture, has created the Daddy’s Promise logo.

“The outpouring of support we have already received is remarkable,” says Gordon. “We want to acknowledge the tremendous impact that the father-daughter bond can have in helping girls grow into resilient, confident women and to facilitate the first steps in establishing healthy relationships between girls and the men who help raise them. Through this initiative we will champion daddy’s promise and that’s giving a lifetime of love!”