UNCF Mourns the Passing of Lou Rawls

Legendary Entertainer Raised Millions of Dollars for College Students

FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- "The entire United Negro College
Fund (UNCF) family mourns the passing of Lou Rawls, whose distinctive
voice graced the entertainment scene for more than 40 years,"
announced Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., President and CEO of UNCF. "Our
prayers are with his family, now."

Since 1979, as founder and perennial star of the annual telecast, the
Lou Rawls Parade of Stars, now known as An Evening of Stars, Lou has
used his talent and energy to help young African Americans get the
education they need and deserve. Tens of thousands of college-educated
men and women are the beneficiaries of his dedication and enormous
generosity.

Rawls is recognized for conceiving the program in 1979 and in 2004 he
was the tribute honoree" during the 25th airing of An Evening of
Stars. This year's An Evening of Stars was recorded in September 2005
and will air nationwide this weekend, January 6-8, 2006.

"Twenty-seven years ago, Lou was one of the earliest entertainers to
understand the power of celebrity to do good," continued Lomax.
"Although Lou was ill at the time of the taping, participating in this
annual UNCF event was something he wanted to do. Here again, we saw
Lou's commitment to helping students advance their dream of a college
education."

The United Negro College Fund has lost a friend. Lou Rawls lent his
magnificent voice to an organization whose sole mission is to help
students get the college education they need and deserve but could not
otherwise afford. SOURCE United Negro College Fund