Aetna Unveils `Leaders of the Century' Calendar; Twelve influential African Americans of the 20th century listed.

Business Editors

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 30, 1999

Aetna today released its annual Calendar of African American History with the theme, "Leaders of the Century." This year's calendar commemorates 12 of the most influential African Americans of the 20th century.

The following people and the categories they represent were selected by a distinguished panel of historians:

--Booker T. Washington -- Education

--Sarah "Madam C.J." Walker -- Business

--Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington -- Performing Arts

--Howard Thurman -- Religion

--Langston Hughes -- Literature

--Charles Richard Drew, M.D.-- Medicine/Science/Technology

--Thurgood Marshall -- Law and Jurisprudence

--Jacob Lawrence -- Visual Arts 

--Jackie Robinson -- Sports

--Malcolm X -- Politics/Public Life

--Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -- Human Rights/Civil Rights

--Oprah Gail Winfrey -- Media/Communications

"We are very proud to close the century with such a special calendar for the year 2000," said Richard L. Huber, chairman and CEO of Aetna. "Aetna continues its commitment of highlighting noteworthy African Americans who have made significant contributions to American society."

Partnering with Aetna to produce this calendar was Earl G. Graves, publisher of Black Enterprise magazine and president and CEO of Earl Graves Ltd. Mr. Graves, an Aetna board member, and Aetna sought the counsel of a panel of distinguished historians to serve as the nominating committee: John Hope Franklin, Ph.D., professor emeritus at Duke University; Darlene Clark Hine, Ph.D., professor at Michigan State University; David Levering Lewis, Ph.D., professor at Rutgers University; and Nell Irvin Painter, Ph.D., professor at Princeton University.

Five individuals were nominated in each category. Assisting in the final selection of 12 candidates, more than 27,000 people from across the nation cast ballots on Aetna's Web site and in Black Enterprise magazine. For each vote cast, Aetna made a donation to America's Promise -- The Alliance for Youth, led by retired Gen. Colin Powell.

"Without the contributions of these 12 individuals, American life would be the poorer," said Earl G. Graves. "These individuals are great examples for our children and for people of all ages and races."

The "Leaders of the Century" calendar marks the 20-year anniversary of Aetna recognizing the contributions of African Americans to American life. Over the years, more than 200 individuals

-- pioneers in fields such as business, politics, athletics, science, nutrition, medicine, academics and entertainment -- have been featured in Aetna's Calendar of African American History.

As is its custom, Aetna will send thousands of calendars to elementary schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations and media publications across the country. As in previous calendars, there are noted African American history facts for every day of the year.

Calendars may be obtained by sending a check for $3 each, to cover shipping and handling, to Aetna Calendar, RC2D, 151 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06156.

Aetna is a leading provider of health, retirement and financial services benefits. Through its three core businesses, Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Aetna Financial Services and Aetna International, the company provides nearly 47 million people worldwide with quality products, services and information to help them manage best what matters most: their health and financial well-being.