Oneness, the Non-profit Organization Promoting Racial Unity Through Music & The Arts, Announces Their 2nd Annual ``Power of Oneness Awards''.

Entertainment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2002

Six Honorees to Be Recognized at a November 3, 2002 Ceremony

at L.A.'s Conga Room

Oneness, founded in 1999, is a non-profit organization whose mission is the elimination of racism and the promotion of racial unity through music and the arts. They are proud to announce the 2nd annual "Power of Oneness Awards," recognizing individuals whose life and work exemplify Oneness' guiding principles. This year, six honorees will be recognized at a formal dinner, awards ceremony, and live performance event at The Conga Room in Los Angeles on November 3, 2002. They are: actor-director-producer Edward James Olmos, television executive Nancy Miller, music producer and artist Nile Rodgers, musician Jonathan Butler, community activist Leila Steinberg, and singer and actress Joy Enriquez.

Title sponsors for the 2002 "Power of Oneness Awards," are The Recording Academy(R) (NARAS) and L'OREAL. Additional sponsors are Arami Design, Kawin Interactive, The American Music Conference, and the Conga Room. Guest presenters at the gala include Annie Potts and Lorraine Toussaint, stars of Lifetime Television's critically acclaimed series "Any Day Now," and the evening will also spotlight musical performances by cast members from the hit Broadway musical "STOMP," and the soulful sounds of Heliotrope.

At the "Power of Oneness Awards" on November 3, 2002:

Edward James Olmos, as well known for his spirited activism as for his award-winning acting, directing and producing, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his longstanding commitment to racial unity and non-violent social change. An inspirational speaker who tirelessly reaches out to high schools, colleges, reservations and prisons, Olmos received the Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations' John Anson Ford Award for his efforts after the '92 L.A. riots.

Nancy Miller, co-executive producer of the acclaimed series "Any Day Now," receives the Television and Film Industry Award. Exploring the lifelong, interracial friendship between two women in the South, "Any Day Now" has won a host of prestigious awards. They include Best New Drama Series in 1998 from Viewers for Quality Television, Best Drama at the 1999 UNDA - USA Gabriel Awards, and a 2001 I Have A Dream Foundation Award. Miller's other writing and producing credits include the ABC series "Leaving L.A.," NBC's "Profiler," "Against The Grain" and "The Monroes."

GRAMMY(R) Award-winning songwriter, producer, artist and activist Nile Rodgers receives the Industry Award for utilizing his outstanding musical achievements to further racial unity. Once recognized by Billboard Magazine as "Top Producer in the World," Nile's career spans close to three decades, starting with Chic, the funk powerhouse he co-founded in the '70s that delivered Warner Bros. their best-selling single ever, "Le Freak." He has since collaborated with superstars Madonna, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Duran Duran, Mick Jagger and Sister Sledge, among others. Recently, Rodgers contributed to the We Are Family Project, A Celebration of Our Common Humanity, encompassing a National Family Day proposal for passage in Congress.

GRAMMY-nominated musician, songwriter and producer Jonathan Butler receives the Oneness Artist Award. A native South African, Butler was born into Apartheid and experienced first-hand the injustices of racial discrimination and government corruption. Butler pursued music as a key to a better life, becoming the first black South African to receive airplay on white radio in his country. Amazing talent, spiritual conviction and a belief in the good of mankind makes Jonathan a living example of the power of the arts to express unity and positively affect the world. His newly released CD "Surrender" is available on Warner Bros.

The founder of Assemblies In Motion, a non-profit designed to inspire youth and adults to build intercultural bridges of understanding, friendship and support, Leila Steinberg gets the Community Activist Award for channeling the arts to entertain, educate and empower. A singer and dancer as well, she's performed alongside artists including O.J. Ekemode & the Nigerian All-Stars, Santana, The Neville Brothers, and Third World. A pioneer in the promotion of Rap, Alternative, Punk and World Beat music, Steinberg also recently co-executive produced, with Quincy Jones III, the Tupac Shakur documentary "Thug Angel," and is in talks with MTV to host her own show, "The Microphone Sessions."

Joy Enriquez will be honored with the special Friend Of Oneness Award for her selfless work on behalf of the organization. "Joy was there when few artists would return our calls, and she remains a steadfast friend," says Oneness co-founder Dennis Stafford. At 15, Joy won "Star Search's" female vocalist category for 11 weeks running, and soon gained fame for vocals on multi-platinum soundtrack cuts, including the single "When you Believe," backing up Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey. Last September, her self-titled debut album -- produced by Babyface -- was released on Arista Records. As an actress, Enriquez had a recurring role on the WB's hit series "7th Heaven," and in May, 2003, will be seen in the Fox Searchlight's "Papi Chulo." Joy lives up to the promise of her name, saying "I want to be an inspiration in all I do!"

In that very spirit, Oneness continues its work -- via educational outreach, awareness campaigns and collaborative initiatives -- to make positive change in the area of race-relations with the aid of supporters including Carlos Santana, Ricky Martin, Macy Gray, Sarah McLachlan, Common, Brian McKnight, David Foster and Jimmy Jam. With the 2nd Annual "Power of Oneness Awards," Oneness takes time to recognize individuals who truly define the ideal of unity in diversity through exemplary work that both celebrates all our differences ... and our fundamental Oneness ...

To purchase tickets and learn more call 818/710-8382, or visit www.powerofoneness.org.