Burger King Corporation will extend its celebration of African American heroes with its search for “BK Urban Everyday Heroes,” unsung individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their local communities.

The 2003 “BK Urban Everyday Heroes” program is an extension of Burger King Corporation’s 2002 Black History Month activities that spotlighted seven African Americans heroes. Selected from the fields of education, nonprofit, military, and public service, these heroes were featured in limited edition “Everyday Heroes” calendars that were available at Burger King restaurants across the country. The “Everyday Heroes” were:
* Brigadier General Walter E. Gaskin, one of the highest-ranking African Americans in the United States Marine Corps.
* Maurice Ashley, who made history in 1999 when he became the first African American to attain the coveted title of International Grand Master of Chess.
* Evelyn K. Moore, cofounder and president of the National Black Child Development Institute (N.B.C.D.I.), one of the nation’s foremost organizations serving to improve and protect the lives of African American children and their families.
* New York City Firemen Lieutenant Paul Washington, Chief Robert R. Turner, Troy Owens, Abdullah Granger who collectively devoted forty three years of service to the Fire Department of New York.

The 2003 “Urban Everyday Heroes” program will continue in the tradition of recognizing African Americans who exhibit the qualities of a hero through the work they do in their communities.

Says Vincent L. Berkeley, Jr., senior vice president, corporate relations, Burger King Corporation, “There are ordinary people everywhere, every day, doing extraordinary things. We are pleased to take a leadership role in recognizing the accomplishments of individuals who make the commitment to improving the health and welfare of their communities.”

Customers will be encouraged to vote for five heroes from a list of ten nominees profiled on http://www.burgerking.com from November 22nd through December 15, 2002. The program will be promoted via in-restaurant merchandising and radio advertising. Winners will be celebrated at ceremonies on February 13, 2003 at the Studio Museum of Harlem in New York City.