1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Debra McGaughey
Director of Public Relations, College Communications
& Marketing Strategies
HCC Central College
1300-B Holman, LHSB Suite 301
P 713.718.6226
E debra.mcgaughey@hccs.edu
The Rev. Dr. Al Sharpton to give keynote speech
at HCC’s Black History Scholarship Gala
HOUSTON, TX [December 4, 2013] – The Rev. Dr. Al Sharpton – the candid Baptist minister, civil
rights activist and television/radio talk-show host – will be the keynote speaker for Houston Community
College’s 2014 Black History Scholarship Gala, 6 p.m., Friday, February 21, at the Hilton Americas –
Houston, 1600 Lamar St., downtown Houston.
The theme for the 2014 HCC Black History Scholarship Gala is A Tapestry of Triumphs – Our Call for
Civil Rights Continues. Sharpton will be asked to share his thoughts on his extensive civil rights efforts
and provide insights into America’s social and political future.
“We are delighted to have Rev. Sharpton as our keynote speaker for the scholarship gala,” says Dr.
William W. Harmon, president of HCC Central and chairman of the HCC Black History Committee. “We
live in turbulent times; things occur that are often inexplicable. Rev. Sharpton brings a great sense of
urgency and unvarnished passion in the never-ending struggle to see that injustices are confronted
and eradicated.”
The HCC Black History Scholarship Gala raises scholarships for deserving African-American students
or students of African descent attending Houston Community College. Students who otherwise would
be unable to complete their first two years of college have received scholarships through the
fundraising efforts of HCC’s Black History Committee.
The HCC Black History Scholarship Gala is one of Houston’s premier events during Black History
Month. The gala regularly draws more than 1,000 guests to support the scholarship program and to
hear such featured speakers as actors Terrence Howard (2013) and Vanessa Williams (2012); civil
rights legend Julian Bond (2011); filmmaker Spike Lee (2010); television journalist Soledad O’Brien
(2009); scholar and activist Dr. Cornel West (2008); actor James Earl Jones (2007) and syndicated
columnist Clarence Page (2006).
Tables of 10 and tickets are available at www.hccsfoundation.org/blackhistorygala
For more information, go to hccs.edu/blackhistory or call 713.718.5242.
About HCC
HCC is one of the country’s largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates,
workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities for 75,000 students each semester. HCC is composed of six colleges that serve the
Greater Houston Area’s diverse communities by preparing individuals to live and work in today’s increasingly international and
technological society. To learn more go to hccs.edu.

2. PHOTO CUTLINE INFORMATION: The Rev. Dr. Al Sharpton, civil rights activist, talk-show host and author, is
the keynote speaker for Houston Community College’s Black History Scholarship Gala, 6 p.m., Friday, February
21, 2014, at the Hilton Americas-Houston. For tickets, go to www.hccsfoundation.org/blackhistorygala
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About HCC
HCC is one of the country’s largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates,
workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities for 75,000 students each semester. HCC is composed of six colleges that serve the
greater Houston area’s diverse communities by preparing individuals to live and work in today’s increasingly international and
technological society. To learn more go to hccs.edu.