Part One of a Four-Part NNPA Exclusive Feature News Series

NNPA Newswire Service and BlackPressUSA.com

Washington, DC. — This past Fourth of July, the motorsports world was exploding with action in Austria with Formula One, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway made history by hosting INDYCAR and NASCAR, on the same race weekend.

In the wake of George Floyd’s death, and the civil unrest that ensued, each racing series has been in the news with regards to their interest to support the abolishment of racial injustices, racism and police brutality by having their respective sport create diversity and inclusion initiatives to welcome a new generation of fans, industry professionals and sponsors.

But the key question remains unanswered. In the growing economic gains and spheres of public influence of the Motorsports Industry in America, do Black Lives Matter?

The NNPA is the global media partner for the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), an advocacy and marketing partner of the United Nations, and we had an opportunity to interview an African American leader in motorsports, Chris Miles, Global Motorsport Marketing Advisor and Diversity & Inclusion Strategist for ARDN, as well as principal owner of Starting Grid, Inc., to get his opinion on the diversity initiatives happening now in the world of motorsports.

NNPA: Chris we are pleased to have the opportunity to speak with you and learn more about what is going on in the world of motorsports with regards to diversity and inclusion, but before we do, please tell us about Starting Grid, Inc.?

Chris Milies: Thank you, the pleasure is mine. Per your question, I founded Starting Grid in May of 1994, due to the difficulty I was having securing sponsorship when I was actively participating in motorsports as a race car driver.

I became very frustrated and disappointed with the lack of interest corporate America displayed in sponsoring a Black driver, so I set out on a mission to change that narrative.

Needless to say, for the past 26 years, Starting Grid, Inc. has been singularly focused on pioneering diversity motorsport initiatives for minorities to have an equal opportunity to participate within the many facets of the motorsports industry through the Millennium Motorsports Initiative, in an effort to “change the face of motorsports in the 21st century.”

NNPA: So, you originally pursued motorsports as a driver?

Chris Miles: I did. My aspirations as a kid, growing up in New Albany, Indiana, was to become the 1st Black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. I had to adjust those aspirations when Willy T. Ribbs became the first African American to break the color barrier in 1991. I was totally good with it though, because Willy was a racing hero of mine — and I am fortunate to say, he has been a personal friend for over 25 years.

In fact, in 2011, Willy and I created Willy T. Ribbs Racing to celebrate his 20th anniversary of breaking the color barrier at Indy by bringing along the first African American driver, to compete in INDYCAR’s Indy Lights championship, Chase Austin.

NNPA: Well how and when did you become the Global Motorsport Marketing Advisor and Diversity & Inclusion Strategist for ARDN, and what are you responsible for?

Chris Miles: I became connected with ARDN through my business partner, famed Hollywood actor Richard Gant, who serves as ARDN’s Art, Sport and Culture Chair. We are tasked with amplifying the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the United Nations General Assembly’s International Decade For People of African Descent through various activations utilizing art, sport and culture.

Richard and I first met back in 1998 at the California Speedway in Fontana, California when I was hosting the racing magazine show Inside CART on FOX Sports.

Incidentally, as the host of Inside CART, I became the first African American in the history of motorsports and television to host a nationally televised racing magazine show, which also aired on ESPN in 2000.

Over the years, Richard and I stayed in constant contact with one another in hopes of working together.

In 2004, an opportunity presented itself for me to produce 10 Black History Month vignettes, where Richard provided the voice over narration, for the now defunct SPEED Channel.

https://youtu.be/tr8YIeoTWZ

In 2013, we piloted a STEM education/motorsport science initiative with the 2011 Indy 500 winning team Bryan Herta Autosport and the Gary Community School Corporation.

In 2014, through a partnership with FIFA, we collaborated on the UNAIDS “Protect the Goal” HIV/AIDS global campaign for the World Cup in Brazil.

We introduced the ZERO car, which signified Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths, driven by Chase Austin, in the Freedom 100 during the Indianapolis 500 race weekend, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

We will continue this news feature next week with part two.  The NNPA’s Stacy Brown and Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. will continue the NNPA special interview with Chris Miles.

Chris Miles: Yes, it is! And that is what further frustrates me with this announcement, because I know of drivers all over the globe where if proper funding were in place Starting Grid can have several drivers of African descent competing in INDYCAR’s racing ladder system and other disciplines of motorsports as well.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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