Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Celebrates Black History Month Through Its Continued Commitment to Diversity

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of its continuing commitment to diversity and the communities it serves, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announced that it will host a series of in-store events and activities in celebration of Black History Month 2006. Wal-Mart's more than 100 million weekly customers nationwide will have the opportunity to take home inspiring and informative publications, meet influential African- Americans and celebrate African-American accomplishments -- past and present.

Wal-Mart embraces diversity and has a long tradition of supporting all cultures, including African-American culture. Wal-Mart employs more than 1.3 million American associates and is a leading employer of minorities in the United States, employing more than 208,000 African-Americans. Wal-Mart continues to strengthen the company's supplier diversity programs, including taking a leadership role in driving diversity in the legal profession. Additionally, the company has formed long-standing partnerships with organizations such as the United Negro College Fund and the National Urban League.

"Our commitment to diversity is not just something we talk about, it's who we are," said Esther Silver-Parker, vice president, diversity relations. "Wal-Mart's commitment to diversity is a natural extension of our core beliefs. As our nation celebrates Black History Month, we are proud to honor and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions of African-Americans, past and present."

Wal-Mart has long maintained diversity initiatives including diverse employment practices, supplier relationships and community outreach programs. As an extension of the company's commitment to its associate, supplier and customer base, Wal-Mart celebrates Black History Month by honoring and paying tribute to the valuable contributions African-Americans have made to this country. These efforts will provide valuable information for customers, associates and their families, allowing them opportunities to celebrate and commemorate Black History Month in Wal-Mart stores and Clubs.

As part of the celebration, Wal-Mart stores and SAM'S CLUB locations will broadcast public service announcements that honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in stores and encourage support of the MLK Memorial to be built in Washington, D.C. The company has also committed to making a $1 million donation to the effort.

The company will distribute a variety of unique publications to inspire, educate and promote the legacy and heritage of African-Americans, including:

* In partnership with Kraft Foods, the sixth complimentary publication of Wal-Mart's "Profiles in Pride" booklet, focusing on volunteerism and highlighting African-American organizations and their leaders, will be available at all Wal-Mart stores and SAM'S CLUB locations nationwide. This year's booklet features inspiring stories of achievement and a favorite family recipe from Bruce Gordon (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), Cheryl Cooper (National Council of Negro Women) and Dwayne Ashley (Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund) among other African-Americans who have made significant contributions to society. * The annual Black History Timeline publication will focus on African- American women who have made notable achievements to our society. Developed in partnership with Colgate-Palmolive, this "Women of Achievement" fold-out keepsake will chronicle the achievements of influential African-American women, such as the appointment of Dr. Condoleezza Rice to secretary of state in 2005 and Charlotte Ray becoming the first African-American female lawyer in 1872. * An informative guide "Leave a Legacy of Good Health," which focuses on African-American health concerns, developed in partnership with Kellogg's, will be available in select Supercenters nationwide. This informative guide explains how heredity plays a part in overall health and provides easy-to-complete health charts to effectively research family medical history. * A documentary, "Will to Survive: The Story of the Gullah/Geeche Nation," will be aired in syndication on news outlets nationwide throughout the month of February. The release of this documentary will also be complemented by a downloadable study guide. The documentary, underwritten by Wal-Mart, is an extension of the Voices of Color(TM) Film series the company launched last year.

All materials will be distributed at no charge (while quantities last). Additionally, these documents and further details will be made available online at http://www.walmart.com/blackhistorymonth . More information about Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB's diversity initiatives can be found at http://www.walmartfacts.com/ .

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartfacts.com/ . Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com/ .

The books listed below may be of interest to those wanting to learn more about African-American culture and history. These titles are among those available at select Wal-Mart stores nationwide.

* "1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African-American History," Jeffrey Stewart * "All Deliberate Speed," Charles Ogletree * "Bound for Canaan," Fergus Bordewich * "Casting the First Stone," Kimberla Lawson Roby * "Mama," Terry McMillian * "Martin Luther King Jr," Marshall Frady * "Now Is The Time To Open Your Heart," Alice Walker * "Open Wide the Freedom Gates," Dorothy Height * "The Bluest Eye," Toni Morrison * "The Dew Breaker," Edwidge Danticat * "Just for You" series of several African-American children's books

FCMN Contact: pauline.tureman@wal-mart.com