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First Online Library for African-American Political History Launches Today

Posted on: Wednesday, 6 September 2006, 12:00 CDT

The first virtual and most comprehensive library on the political history and legislative legacy of African-Americans in the shaping of the nation's democracy was unveiled today during the Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF).

Called Avoice, or African-American Voices in Congress, www.avoiceonline.org, is the product of a collaborative partnership among CBCF, The University of Texas at Austin, Howard University and Dell (NASDAQ:DELL). The online educational portal provides a central source of information about historical and contemporary African-American policy issues important to many Americans, and of particular interest to researchers, educators and students.

"Avoice represents the official history of the Congressional Black Caucus and much more," said U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-Fla.), chair of the CBCF. "We believe that Avoice will promote civic engagement among youth through its rich content and interactive learning tools. In doing so, the Avoice site will benefit all Americans."

"Dell's sponsorship of this milestone project reflects our commitment to diversity and it is a unique opportunity to help educate the public about the contributions of African-Americans to our nation's history," said Dell CEO Kevin Rollins, who introduced the new site during the event. "We are privileged to be a part of Avoice and will continue to support it with technology that can enrich the site content."

Avoice offers a unique collection of original Congressional and political papers from African-American legislators. Initial content also includes exhibits on the Voting Rights Act, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday Bill, the anti-apartheid movement and a history of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The CBCF's Annual Legislative Conference provides a national forum to develop strategies and solutions to public policy issues facing Black America. "It is most appropriate that we launch Avoice during this conference," said U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek. "Our conference theme this year is 'Changing Course, Confronting Crises, Continuing the Legacy.' Avoice's historical content will certainly help advance our shared goal of continuing the legacy."

Today, African-Americans represent 13.4 percent of the U.S. population(a); 60 percent of black citizens age 18 and older voted in the 2004 presidential election, up three percent from the previous election. African-Americans had the highest turnout rate of any minority group in 2004.

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value. Uniquely enabled by its direct business model, Dell sells more systems globally than any computer company, placing it No. 25 on the Fortune 500. Company revenue for the past four quarters was $57.4 billion. For more information, visit http://www.dell.com. To get Dell news direct, visit http://www.dell.com/RSS.

About Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. (CBCF) was established in 1976 as a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy research and educational institute. Its mission is to serve as the non-partisan policy-oriented catalyst that educates future leaders and promotes collaboration among legislators, business leaders, minority-focused organizational leaders and organized labor to effect positive and sustainable change in the African-American community. To that end, CBCF works to broaden and elevate the influence of African-Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.

About The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the world's leading public research universities. Through its renowned educational and research programs and its commitment to community service, the university is an important contributor to the quality of life in Texas and the economic vitality of the state. The University of Texas at Austin is Austin's largest employer and one of the largest in the state. It is one of the largest single-campus universities in the nation, serving 50,000 students.

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University in Washington, D.C. is a leading research and doctoral institution and the premier Historically Black College and University. Howard has a unique place in higher education in America, defined by its pioneering role in the struggle for social justice, and its ability to produce leaders for America and the Global community. In the last eight years, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, 13 Fulbrights and numerous other student honors.

(a) U.S. Census Bureau

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc.

Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Source: Business Wire

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