REDMOND, Wash. — May 20, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that it is the official technology sponsor for Tavis Smiley’s America I AM: The African American Imprint exhibition, which opens in Atlanta next month as part of its four-year mobile tour. Along with making a software and cash donation, Microsoft has committed to relaunching the new America I AM Web site, http://americaiam.org.
America I AM is presented by Tavis Smiley and celebrates nearly 500 years of African American contributions to America. Featuring more than 200 extraordinary artifacts, photographs, music and videos, America I AM: The African American Imprint highlights how people throughout American history have shaped lives, history and culture. The exhibition is organized by Arts and Exhibitions International and Cincinnati Museum Center.
“Our company continues to be committed to the communities in which we work and do business,” said Andrea Taylor, Microsoft’s director of community affairs for North America. “We hope that by providing organizations like America I AM with the services and technologies they need to grow and thrive, we are able to expand access to technology and bring innovation to underrepresented communities.”
To complete the task of relaunching the Web site, Microsoft has partnered with Neudesic LLC, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and National Systems Integrator, to transition the site to the Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 platform. Together the companies will enhance the Web site, providing visitors with a more interactive and a user-friendly experience. The site will also feature a social community that allows users to view interactive exhibits and dialogue with other users.
“It is an honor and privilege for Neudesic to be selected to work on this project,” said Parsa Rohani, CEO of Neudesic. “It is our corporate community initiative at Neudesic to educate youth through groundbreaking technology. My hope is that the services we provide to America I AM will help educate youth all around the world on the importance of the African American imprint on society.”
A full version of the revamped site will be launched and available for users in June.
“Microsoft is a leader in creating platforms to provide access to information and I can’t think of a better technology partner to rebuild the America I AM Web site,” Smiley said. “We see this as a huge opportunity to increase and expand awareness about the exhibit. I am especially excited about the fact that our plans will allow visitors worldwide to meet virtually and learn about the contributions of African Americans.”
The exhibition is set to run in Atlanta at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center from June 12 through Sept. 6, 2009. Atlanta will be the second stop on the exhibition’s 10-city, four-year tour, which features a 15,000-square-foot presentation of pivotal moments in courage, conviction and creativity and celebrates the undeniable imprint of African Americans across the nation and around the world. Through more than 200 rare historic objects, documents, photos and multimedia displays, the exhibition explores how African Americans have contributed to and shaped American culture across four core areas: economic, socio-political, cultural and spiritual. The exhibition relates important events and stories of people from the beginnings of the nation through the present day, including the inauguration of the first African American president.
About Neudesic
Neudesic is a Microsoft National Systems Integrator and Gold Certified Partner with a proven track record of providing reliable, effective solutions based on Microsoft’s technology platform. Neudesic’s technical and industry expertise empowers enterprises to enhance their technological capacity and respond to business opportunities with a greater level of efficiency. Neudesic was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. Neudesic offers its products and services nationwide with offices located throughout the United States, and a global presence based out of Hyderabad, India. For more information about Neudesic’s products and services, call (800) 805-1805 or visit www.neudesic.com.
About The Smiley Group, Inc.
Founded in 1998 and based in Los Angeles, The Smiley Group, Inc. (TSG), is a communications corporation dedicated to supporting human rights and related empowerment issues. The mission of TSG is to achieve positive results through advocacy and education on issues of concern to African Americans and other people without substantial economic or social standing. TSG is the holding company for Tavis Smiley Presents, Smiley Radio Properties, High Quality Speakers Bureau, TS Media, and SmileyBooks. The Tavis Smiley Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership development training for youth. Tavis Smiley is the host of Tavis Smiley on PBS and The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI and the author/editor of 14 books including the New York Times best sellers Covenant with Black America, What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing up in America, and THE COVENANT In Action. For more information, visit www.tavistalks.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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