Farmers Insurance Group's ``Freedom's Song'' to Debut in Los Angeles, February 21st, 2006; Mayor Antonio Villagairosa to Speak.

LOS ANGELES -- To honor African-American History Month, on February 21st, 2006 Farmers Insurance Group(R) will debut the "Freedom's Song" program along with Mayor Antonio Villagairosa at the California African-American Museum in downtown Los Angeles. Farmers(R) has partnered with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) to bring African-American history to life in classrooms around the country through a new and exciting documentary film -- "Freedom's Song: 100 years of African-American struggle and triumph."

On February 21st there will be a teachers forum beginning at 12pm at the California African-American Museum where a group of educators will receive hands-on training from noted professors from the University of Colorado. The speakers will include Dr. Julie Armentrout and Dr. La Vonne Neal. Various African-American elected leaders and business and community leaders will attend as well. They will preview the documentary film, review the lesson plans and provide classroom application. Funding for the workshops was provided through a grant from Farmers. Following the forum will be a reception when the Mayor will speak.

"Farmers is to be commended for making such a deep investment in highlighting African-American achievements. By investing in education and creating materials that will be used by teachers in schools, and supporting educational workshops, Farmers is a true partner in furthering the education of students about the great accomplishments of African-Americans," said Charmaine Jefferson, Director of the California African-American Museum.

The documentary film, "Freedom's Song: 100 years of African-American struggle and triumph," highlights significant milestones in the history of the African-American experience during the past century. It includes living testimonials designed to put a personal face on the actual historical events featured in the film.

"It is so important for students to gain more knowledge and hear stories of the great accomplishments that African Americans have made to this country," said Jeffrey Beyer, Chief Communications Officer, Farmers. "We believe that African-American history is important to understanding American history, and this program shows how both are interwoven."

ASALH has been on the front lines of helping to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about African-American life, history and culture to the global community.

"We are the founders of African-American History Month, which started as African-American History week back when Dr. Carter G. Woodson began this celebration more than 90 years ago," said Sylvia Cryus-Albritton, executive director of ASALH. "While we have made progress in 90 years, there is still so much work to be done. When you talk about the Niagara Movement, the Tulsa Riots, the Million Man March, these are significant moments in American history but are rarely told in such a way that students can relate and embrace the importance of the event. With 'Freedom's Song,' history is once again being made thanks to Farmers."

The "Freedom's Song" package will be free to educators and will include a DVD copy of the film, engaging and thought-provoking lesson plans and an interactive web site that will be continually updated with audio and video content.

The launch will take place on February 21st, 2006 at the California African-American History Museum located at 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Please feel free to call Kenneth Adams at 323-932-3016 if you require further information about the event.

The web site (www.freedomssong.net) has a wealth of information for teachers, including a curriculum guide. The lesson plans were designed by teachers for teachers. A team of professors from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs received an additional grant from Farmers to develop the (downloadable) lesson plans. Lesson plans, video interviews, kids' voices, teacher resources and other information are available on the web site. Some of the interviews are with notable African Americans such as Dr. Dorothy Height, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Dr. John Hope Franklin, etc. This project was made possible through a generous grant from Farmers.

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies(R) comprise the nation's third-largest personal lines property & casualty insurance group -- helping to restore the lives of over 15 million customers when the unexpected happens. Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, these companies provide homeowners, auto, business, life insurance, recreational products and financial services to more than 10 million households through 17,000 exclusive and independent agents and district managers. For an agent near you, call 1-800-FARMERS or visit www.farmers.com.