Uptown Magazine and BMW of North America Celebrate African-American Achievements at 2011 Kentucky Derby

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 3, 2011… On May 7, 2011, the first ever “Isaac Murphy Derby Experience & Image Awards” will recognize influential African-Americans as part of the 137th Kentucky Derby.

Named for the first African-American jockey inducted into the Hall of Fame, Uptown Magazine partnered with the Project to Preserve African-American Turf History (PPAATH) and Too Black, Too Fast: The story of the African-American jockey to present this event sponsored by BMW North America.

Held at the Kentucky Center for African-American Heritage, guests will enjoy a fine arts exhibit and cocktail hour, as well as entertainment by comedian Spike Davis and singer-songwriter Shannon Sanders. The award ceremony will see humanitarian awards presented to four individuals, including:

• Allan Houston: A former NBA All Star whose professionalism was recognized by the NY Knicks during his playing career leading to his transition from athlete to the front office as Assistant GM. Guidance throughout his life from his parents on family, relationships and entrepreneurial efforts led him to establish the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation.

• Peter Westbook: An Olympic Bronze Medalist who competed in the 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympics.  He provides the vision and hands-on leadership for the Peter Westbrook Foundation, an organization he conceptualized and runs on a day-to-day basis. As the Executive Director, he works closely with the development and tutoring staff, all the kids and the coaches, and has also been responsible for the substantial success in fundraising.

• Dr. Mary Evans Sias: This popular civic leader and dynamic, student-oriented administrator has been president of historically black Kentucky State University since 2004. She is responsible for overseeing all issues affecting prospective and current students.

• Marlon St. Julien: An American jockey in thoroughbred horse racing who began his professional riding career in 1989 at Evangeline Downs where he won his first race. In 2000, he became the first African-American jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby in 79 years, when he rode Curule to a seventh-place finish.

The event is part of a collaboration between BMW and Uptown magazine honoring influential and inspirational African-Americans.  It is one of a series of events to take place throughout the year.     

“Uptown Magazine is proud to present this unique program with BMW to honor outstanding African-American leaders during the Kentucky Derby,” says Len Burnett, Co-Founder and Group Publisher, Uptown Media Group. “This exclusive event is created to celebrate the rich history of African-American men and women who have contributed to the iconic Kentucky Derby.”

About Uptown Media

Founded in 2004, Uptown Media Group is the only luxury lifestyle company targeting the Affluent African American (AAA) Market.  UPTOWN Magazine affords luxury purveyors the broadest access to this highly sought-after demographic. Uptown Media Group, LLC offers traditional and innovative strategies, including UPTOWN Magazine (published 8 times yearly with NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC, Charlotte, Detroit, Philadelphia & National editions), interactive website UptownLife.net, Uptown Social event updates and Uptown's signature events.  UPTOWN Magazine is available by subscription at www.uptownlife.net and on national newsstands, including Hudson News. UPTOWN Magazine, a toast to Luxury, Lifestyle and Living.

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 138 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:  www.bmwgroupna.com

#      #      #

Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address: www.press.bmwna.com.  Additional information, images and video may be found at www.bmwusanews.com.  Broadcast quality video footage is available via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com.