Don King Applauded for Generosity and Youth Support by Mount Vernon; Boxing Promoter to Receive the Key to the City.

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 1999--

Boxing promoter and philanthropist Don King Thursday will be presented with the key to the city and honored by Mount Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis and New York state Sen. Larry B. Seabrook.

Davis and Seabrook, whose senatorial district includes the city of Mount Vernon, have proclaimed June 3 "Don King Day in Mount Vernon."

"We are honoring Don King because he has been a powerful and positive force for the youth in inner-city communities such as Mount Vernon," Seabrook said. "He demonstrates exceptional concern for the growth of our young people through his donations to many social and economic development programs all across the United States."

"This tribute to Don King offers us an opportunity to honor a man who, while quite controversial, comes from humble roots, got into difficulty with the law in his early years, served time in prison and turned his life around," Davis said.

"He is an example, as he always says, that `only in America' do economic opportunities exist which allow someone from Don King's background to become the premier promoter in the 20th century and earn millions of dollars in the process. This is a success story we need to tell our children. Don King is an authentic African-American hero; indeed, he is a hero for all America," the mayor observed.

The itinerary for "Don King Day in Mount Vernon" will feature a 9 a.m. media conference at city hall and visits to Mandela Alternative High School, Mount Vernon High School and an intermediate school during the morning. After lunch, between 2 and 5 p.m., Davis, King and Seabrook will take a walking tour of the city to inspect a proposed major economic development project at 3rd Street, stop at an abandoned fire house that Davis hopes to convert into a full-service youth center and look at Memorial Stadium. The day will conclude with a reception at city hall at 6 p.m.

Sylvester Leaks, a spokesman for King, said: "Don King is proud and pleased to be the recipient of the key to the city of Mount Vernon. It is an enormous honor. Mr. King is looking forward to meeting with elected officials and city planners, while also spending some time with the children and mingling with the city residents during his walking tour. All too often we only see or hear about the controversy which has surrounded Mr. King's distinguished career. It is a refreshing change that he has been singled out to receive this special honor. We applaud the courage displayed by Mayor Davis in awarding the city's key to Mr. King and Senator Seabrook for supporting the award."

"Over the years, Don has silently contributed to a wide variety of charitable causes, many of which benefit young people of inner-city communities, who live in public housing and have had problems in school," Seabrook said. "He has done this without fanfare or exhibition. Two weeks ago, for instance, in a presentation at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, Don pledged $1 million to fund a comprehensive statewide youth development program sponsored by the New York State Black and Hispanic Legislative Caucus.

"Don King exemplifies the spirit of giving something back to the community when much has been given to you," the senator said. "This little-known aspect of the man has been overlooked by both the media and his critics. We rarely hear about all of the good things he has done. These are among the factors which led to our decision to choose him for this honor."