Press Release:

Immediate Release February 17, 2010

Contact: Kathe Hambrick-Jackson, River Road African American Museum

225-474-5553; kathe @ aamuseum.org

Former Harlem Globetrotter

Will Visit Ascension Parish

DONALDSONVILLE, La. – Former Harlem Globetrotter and Ascension Parish native Nate Branch will make a series of appearances at schools around the parish to promote the importance of academics and athletics in the lives of young people.

Branch’s talk with students is entitled, “Making the A’s in Academics, Athletics and Achievements.” The program is sponsored by the Ascension Parish Recreation Department in partnership with the River Road African American Museum and the Ascension Counseling Center Outreach Campaign in recognition of Black History Month.

A native of Smoke Bend, Branch moved to Chicago as a young child and attended public school there. He received a basketball scholarship to play at the University of Nebraska before moving on to play with the internationally renowned Harlem Globetrotters from 1967-83. He also served as a player-coach with the Globetrotters for three years.

During his tenure with the Globetrotters, Branch traveled around the world six times, visited over 40 countries and met with two sitting U.S. presidents: Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. A talented musician, songwriter and singer, today Branch is the Minister of Music at his church in Palo Alto, Calif. He also takes time to serve as a motivational speaker for young people, inspiring them to strive for excellence in their endeavors.

Schedule of School Visits:

Monday, February 22, 2010 from 8:15am to 10:00am---Lowery Intermediate

Monday, February 22, 2010 from 2:00pm to 3:15pm---Lowery Elementary

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 9:00am to 10:50am---St. Amant High School

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm---Donaldsonville Recreation/TBA

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 8:15am-9:15am---Donaldsonville Primary

 Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 10:00am to 11:45am---American Marine Institute

Thursday, February 25, 2010 from 8:45am-9:45am and 1:15pm-2:15pm---Donaldsonville High School