WASHINGTON, May 12 /PRNewswire/ --

- African Heads of State, U.S Delegates to Convene in Arusha, Tanzania June 2 - 6

In less than 30 days, The Leon H. Sullivan Foundation will lead U.S. based delegates to Arusha, Tanzania for its 8th Summit scheduled June 2-6th. Ethiopian Airlines, the official carrier for the Summit, will use two 767 jets to transport the delegates to Tanzania. The first flight departs on May 28th and includes a two night stay in Ethiopia's capital city of Addis Ababa. The second flight will depart on May 30th and will stop on Zanzibar Island for one night at Summit's end. Keeping in alignment with Reverend Sullivan's vision, both flights will arrive in Arusha on May 31st a few hours apart.

Early confirmations have already been received by African Heads of State, as well as notable people and organizations from the U.S. such as Reverend Jesse Jackson, NBA star Kelenna Azubuike (Golden State Warriors), actor Lou Gossett Jr., B.E.T. (Black Entertainment Television), CBS Radio's Frank Ski, CNN's TJ Holmes and many others who plan to join the Summit movement in Arusha. Invitations have also been extended to various Civil Rights and African American organizations including UNCF, 100 Black Men, National Association of Black Accountants, Abyssinian Baptist Church (Harlem, New York) and Greater Allen AME Church (Brooklyn, New York).

"We are excited to bring such a large contingency of African Americans and others from The Diaspora to Africa," stated Hope Masters, President & CEO, of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation and Summit Convener. "This Summit marks the first of many journeys to an east African country and we are proud to bring the spirit and culture of Africa to so many, while making a difference at the same time. It will indeed be a life-changing experience."

Masters also notes, the Summit themed, "The Summit of A Lifetime," by Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete, is expected to be the most successful of all the Summits since her father, the late Reverend Leon H. Sullivan began the biennial conference in 1991.

Dignitaries and delegates will participate in a week-long schedule of workshops and plenary sessions focusing on Africa's environment, infrastructure, investment, and tourism. The Summit will also encourage attendees to participate in the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation's philanthropic efforts in the country which includes the Leon Sullivan Malaria Free Zone Mosquito Net Project, the Books for Africa program and several other projects.

Delegates will also have the option to explore Tanzania landmarks which will include, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, the Olduvai Gorge along with various cultural ceremonies and welcome receptions.

Inspired by the life and principles of Leon H. Sullivan, The Sullivan Summits are organized by the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation with the goal of highlighting key issues, stimulating discussion, defining best practices, identifying new opportunities, promoting private enterprise and fostering high-level strategic partnerships.

Notables who have participated in past Summits have included U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, Dorothy Height and the late Coretta Scott King. Celebrities including Chris Tucker, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Cicely Tyson and Dick Gregory also have attended past Summits.

All media must submit a press credential form located at www.thesullivanfoundation.org/summit

Arusha Contact: Nichet Smith, Leon H. Sullivan Summit, AICC, Arusha 7th floor or nsmith@thesullivanfoundation.org; U.S. Contact: Michelle Pascal, Noelle Elaine Media, +1-212-234-1995, map@noelle-elaine.com - advance, or Kelly Beaty, Noelle-Elaine Media, +1-646-424-9750, kbeaty@noelle-elaine.com - on-site