Auburn Hills, Mich. – Jan. 28, 2010 – Quicken Loans and Detroit Pistons legend, Rick Mahorn, joined by Fathead CEO Patrick McInnis, present the fifth annual Pistons Black History Month celebration at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Wednesday, Feb. 3 starting at 10 a.m. Detroit-area students will tour the exhibit “And Still We Rise,” listen to experiences from community leaders and compete for thousands in scholarships.
Three Detroit area schools; Cass Technical High School, University Preparatory Academy and Southwestern High School each selected two students to compete to win scholarships courtesy of Quicken Loans, the Pistons-Palace Foundation and Fathead.com. Students will perform a three-minute interpretation on the importance of knowing your black history in the art form of their choice.
Participants will win one of six scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000; each winner also receives a Pistons Fathead wall graphic and tickets to the Feb. 21Pistons vs. San Antonio game at The Palace of Auburn Hills, where they will be recognized in a special half time ceremony. Students across Michigan can also apply for a $1,000 scholarship online at www.pistons.com.
“Education is the vehicle and in this time of need for so many, we are awarding substantial scholarships to these students,” says Rick Mahorn, Pistons legendary Bad Boy. “This event is very meaningful because you not only inspire students to continue their higher education, but you are encouraging them to know their history.”
Joining Mahorn and McInnis as event panelists are several distinguished community members, including: Community Relations Director Wendy Kemp, President and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum, Juanita Moore, a representative for Mayor Dave Bing’s office, Director of Community Relations for MyTV20, Sharon McClendon and popular radio personality from WJLB, Dr. Darrius. Panelists will speak to students about the importance of knowing their history and share their own stories of inspiration. After the panel discussion, the students perform their stories on influential African Americans.
“Quicken Loans and Rock Financial have been a part of the Know Your Black History tour since it began five years ago. It is wonderful to be able to work together to give students an opportunity to win scholarships for use at their school of choice,” said Kemp of Quicken Loans. “Celebrating Black History Month is an important part of the culture at Quicken Loans.”
“Fathead is very pleased to be part of an event such as this that rewards our youth for knowing their history with the means to continue their academic journey,” said McInnis of Fathead.com. “I think I can speak on behalf of the panel when I say we are looking forward to the students’ performances and sharing our personal experiences.”
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About Quicken Loans:
Quicken Loans Inc consists of Quicken Loans, the nation’s largest online lender, and Rock Financial, Michigan’s largest mortgage company. Quicken Loans closes loans in all 50 states via the Internet from centralized locations in Southeast Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; North Scottsdale, Ariz., and San Diego. Quicken Loans/Rock Financial has been ranked in the “Top 30” of FORTUNE Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” list for seven consecutive years and on Computerworld’s list of “Best Places to Work in Technology” for the past five years. In 2009, team members volunteered more than 1,500 hours with local charities and non-profit organizations.
About Fathead.com:
Fathead is the leading brand in sports and entertainment graphic products. Fathead products include Fathead Jr., SM/ART, Fathead Customs, Fathead Tradeables, Fathead Skins, and Real.Big, the officially licensed life-size, hi-def wall graphics of professional athletes, animated heroes, entertainment characters, team helmets and logos. Fathead maintains license agreements with leading consumer brands across industries. Fathead is based in Livonia, Mich., for more information visit www.fathead.com.