American Legacy Magazine Hosts Its 3rd Annual "Men of Honor & Distinction Awards" Ceremony

As the Nation Celebrates the First Black President-Elect, The Premier Source of African-American History and Culture Honors Lifetime Achievements of Douglas Barry, David Harris, Spike Lee, Allen McKellar, Jr., and Edwin Moses

New York, NY - As the nation celebrates the first black President-Elect, American Legacy Magazine, the premier source of African-American history and culture, pauses to salute African- American men who broke racial barriers to become the "first" in other industries including business, aviation, and entertainment, blazing the trail in American history.

This year's third Annual Men of Honor and Distinction Awards ceremony, to be held at The Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem on November 20, will honor Douglas Barry, the first African-American fire chief of the Los Angles Fire Department; David Harris, the first African-American pilot to work for a major airline; Spike Lee, Emmy Award–winning and Academy Award–nominated film director, producer, writer, and actor; Allen McKellar, Jr., one of Pepsi-Cola's first black salesmen, and Edwin Moses, an Olympic gold medalist. David Ushery, news anchor for New York's WNBC will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

"This is a historical moment for African-Americans and a great time to salute African-American men who have made footprints in the sand of American history," said Rodney J. Reynolds, founder and publisher of American Legacy. "American Legacy is pleased to pay tribute to these men. They are living history, and they reflect our rich American legacy."

When Douglas Barry joined the Los Angeles Fire Department, he had no idea what to expect of the job. He committed himself to simply working hard and proving his merit every step of the way. In September 2007, after three decades of service and establishing an exemplary record as a firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, chief of staff, and assistant chief, Mr. Barry was appointed as the first African-American fire chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Captain David Harris broke commercial aviation's color barrier when he became the first African- American pilot to fly for a major airline, joining American Airlines in 1964. Undeterred by the many obstacles he faced, Captain Harris was simply doing what he loved to do.

Spike Lee's work over the last twenty years has been provocative and poignant. His movies have often been used as a platform and voice for the underserved and sometimes forgotten. However, today, the Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated film director, producer, writer, and actor is one of the most enduring and respected figures in Hollywood.

Allen McKellar, Jr. may not be a household name, but his impact on the lives of African-Americans is far-reaching and profound. It can be seen throughout magazines and newspapers, on billboards, and in TV commercials. As Pepsi-Cola's first male African-American national sales marketer and a principal member of the first major niche marketing team, McKellar paved the way over the last half a century for many African-American executives today.

When Edwin Moses' college, Morehouse, had no track and field program, Moses -- a scientist at heart -- designed his own to train for what would be his first Olympic trials. He went on to set an American record in the 400-meter hurdles and later, to win his first gold medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics. Blazing one of the most impressive winning streaks in the athletic world, Moses finished his career with 122 consecutive wins, 107 of them finals, earning him a place in The Guinness Book of World Records, three Olympic gold medals, an Olympic bronze, and two gold World Championship medals.

The Men of Honor and Distinction Awards ceremony will be preceded by American Legacy's signature all-male panel discussion between the honorees and New York area high school students, providing the students an opportunity to meet and talk with men whom they may have only read about.

This year's honorees are featured in the Winter 2007/08 issue of American Legacy on newsstands now. Sponsors for the 2008 Men of Honor and Distinction Awards include: American Airlines, Amtrak, ExxonMobil, Lowe's, and San Antonio Convention Visitor's Bureau.

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