NYSE Euronext and BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine Salute the Legacy of African Americans in the Financial Services Industry by Ringing the Closing Bell(SM) on Monday, April 16 at the NYSE

April 16, 2007 | 1:41 pm

NEW YORK, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- NYSE Euronext and BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine pay tribute to the past, present and future of African Americans on Wall Street by ringing the NYSE closing bell on Monday, April 16. The ceremony, which officially ends the day's trading at the world's largest marketplace, is followed by a fundraiser on Wednesday, April 25 benefiting the upcoming documentary, Wall Street In the Black, and Operation HOPE, Inc., a non-profit organization teaching youth the importance of financial literacy.

To honor the contributions of blacks on Wall Street, both past and present, the dinner will also include a special introduction of members from BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine's "75 Most Powerful Blacks on Wall Street." This historic event serves as a fundraiser for Operation HOPE, Inc., a non-profit whose mission is to expand economic opportunity in underserved communities through economic education and empowerment. Furthermore the evening supports the completion of Wall Street In the Black, a groundbreaking documentary that spotlights pioneering African Americans on Wall Street.

"NYSE Euronext is proud to be involved in highlighting the achievements of African-Americans on Wall Street," said NYSE Regulation Executive Vice President, Market Surveillance, Robert Marchman. "Through the NYSE Diversity Council, the Exchange works diligently to cultivate diversity education within our company and financial literacy in the community. Our participation in supporting the development of Wall Street In the Black and the worthwhile efforts of Operation HOPE are valuable opportunities for us to continue that important mission on an even broader scale."

"For more than 35 years, BLACK ENTERPRISE has chronicled the history of blacks on Wall Street," said Earl G. Graves Sr., chairman and publisher of Black Enterprise. "We were the first to report on Russell L. Goings, Jr, of First Harlem Securities; Travers Bell and Willie Daniels of Daniels & Bell; and most recently celebrated the achievements of the 75 most powerful blacks on Wall Street. It is important for us to recognize these individuals and firms who continue to provide opportunities for African Americans in the finance industry."

"Operation HOPE is dedicated to helping people raise their standard of living and improve the quality of their lives through our global Silver Rights mission promoting financial literacy and dignity," said John Hope Bryant, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE. "We have educated more than 210,000 youth in movement of empowerment nationwide--giving people a hand up, and not just a hand out. This is "Wall Street in The Black" in action in our communities of color."

    Confirmed Event Sponsors to Date Include:

    NYSE Euronext
    BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine
    Credit Suisse
    Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
    Goldman Sachs
    JP Morgan Chase
    Lehman Brothers
    Morgan Stanley
    Operation HOPE, Inc.
    Wachovia Securities

Please visit www.nyse.com for a live webcast of the bell and more information on the film.

For Media Relations contact Ramsey Jay, Jr. at 310-788-2125 or the Benefit Office 212.591.1638. Fax .212.591.6638.

For BLACK ENTERPRISE contact Andrew Wadium at 212-886-9598 or wadiuma@blackenterprise.com.

About NYSE Euronext

NYSE Euronext, a holding company created by the combination of NYSE Group, Inc. and Euronext N.V., commenced trading on April 4, 2007. NYSE Euronext (NYSE/New York and Euronext/Paris: NYX) operates the world's largest and most liquid exchange group and offers the most diverse array of financial products and services. NYSE Euronext, which brings together six cash equities exchanges in five countries and six derivatives exchanges, is a world leader for listings, trading in cash equities, equity and interest rate derivatives, bonds and the distribution of market data. Representing a combined $28.5 trillion/euro 21.5 trillion total market capitalization of listed companies and average daily trading value of approximately $118.8 billion/euro 89.9 billion (as of February 28, 2007), NYSE Euronext seeks to provide the highest standards of market quality and integrity, innovative products and services to investors, issuers, and all users of its markets.

BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE), your ultimate guide to financial empowerment, is the premier business and investment resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. The monthly publication provides 3.9 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. As the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, BE is the authority for business news and trends.