February 6, 2006

LUDACRIS HONORED FOR HIS PHILANTHROPIC SERVICE

The Artist Empowerment Coalition (AEC) honored Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation and several other entertainment giants for being leaders in the entertainment industry in giving back to their communities.

Los Angeles, CA. - On Tuesday, February 6, 2006 several of the industry's most influential stars and executives were honored by The Artist Empowerment Coalition. Victoria Rowell, Ludacris, John Legend, Ciara and BET executives Debra Lee and Reginald Hudlin were all in attendance at the Beverly Hills Hotel being acknowledged for giving back to the community. The ceremony took place during the celebrated 48th Annual Grammy week.

The Artist Empowerment Coalition (AEC), the entertainment industry's leading social responsibility organization hosted the honorees at its highly anticipated 4th Annual AEC Artist Celebration Luncheon. Shaun Robinson (Access Hollywood co-anchor) and Doug E. Fresh were the MCs for the star-studded event.  The exclusive event was presented by Mercedes-Benz, ASCAP, Avon and Foxwoods Resort & Casino.

"The AEC Artist Celebration & Pre-Grammy Luncheon serves as a platform for artists and industry leaders to come together, recognizing those who understand and share the importance of giving back to their community," stated L. Londell McMillan, AEC Co-Founder.  "We're proud to celebrate these influential creative leaders who use their celebrity status to make a difference, while encouraging others along the way to reach back and help others who are less fortunate."

All the award recipients delivered heartfelt acceptance speeches, with the appeal for giving back to the community and empowering present day artists to effectively manage the direction of their careers being the common thread.

Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges led the day with a stirring acceptance speech.  “Artist empowerment means empowerment in every sense of the word, the business side and the talent side. It's just trying to become better people, more well-rounded, becoming more intelligent and educated about what's going on in every facet of being an artist,” says Ludacris.  "That includes our philanthropic efforts too. My foundation has over 3500 hours invested in hands on service. I mention these things not to brag or pat myself on the back ... But to underscore the responsibility we all have to TURN BACK, REACH BACK, and GIVE BACK. This should be a time of reflection for all of us to appreciate what we have and what we have to give to others in need of our help."

Ludacris attended the ceremony with his mother, Roberta Shields, President of The Ludacris Foundation.  “I am very happy to be here today sharing in my son's vision,” said Ms. Shields.