Tavis_Smiley Tavis Smiley Mourning the loss of long-time executive producer and friend, Sheryl Flowers. Her loving memory will be wit - Jun 08 add/view comments (1)

MICHAEL JACKSON MEMORIAL ESTABLISHED AT "AMERICA I AM" EXHIBITION IN ATLANTA

Fans Invited to Leave Personal Messages and Mementos Celebrating Jackson's Indelible Imprint at the Atlanta Civic Center

What:

As a public space to share remembrances of Michael Jackson and celebrate his indelible imprint on fans, music and culture at large, the general public and visitors to "America I AM: The African American Imprint" are encouraged to leave personal messages, mementos, flowers, etc. in the lobby of the Atlanta Civic Center near the entrance to the exhibition. A wall of paper and a collection of notes will be available where visitors can contribute their reflections, which will travel with the exhibition as a continuing testament to the artist's achievements and impact on the world.

Where:

"America I AM" at the Atlanta Civic Center 395 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 (Ralph McGill Blvd. entrance) When: Beginning today at 4 p.m. America I AM: The African American Imprint is a nearly 15,000 square-foot presentation of pivotal moments in courage, conviction and creativity that celebrate the undeniable imprint of African Americans across the nation and around the world. More information is available at www.AmericaIAM.org.

Media Contact:

Jonathan Barnes Creaxion for America I AM 404-495-4444 office 404-353-3888 mobile Jonathan@creaxion.com America I AM is organized by Arts and Exhibitions International and the Cincinnati Museum Center in partnership with Tavis Smiley, and is proudly sponsored by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The exhibition's educational partner is Northern Trust, and Microsoft is the technology partner.

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June 8, 2009

The Smiley Group, Inc. is sad to announce the passing earlier this morning of its longtime executive team member, Sheryl A. Flowers.

Flowers, 42, was Director of Communications at TSG and the longtime Executive Producer of The Tavis Smiley Show on public radio. Flowers was the executive most responsible for the success of the radio show for its three years on NPR (2002-2004), and was personally asked by Smiley to take the helm when he moved in 2005 to have the show distributed by PRI (Public Radio International).

Said Smiley, "Sheryl's vision and direction made possible the early success of our NPR program which laid the groundwork for the success we're now enjoying on our PBS television show. Without Sheryl's particular genius, our company's capacity to empower listeners and viewers over these years would have been severely diminished. We all loved her deeply and we'll sorely miss her. In the days ahead, we will find an appropriate way to honor her short life to ensure that her legacy endures."

Flowers was surrounded by her family when she transitioned at approximately 5:33am this morning at the Cedar's Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after an almost two year battle with cancer.

Her only sister, Lori Flowers, said of Sheryl, "Our hearts are broken at the loss of our beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. She was a beautiful and amazing spirit and we are honored to have been a part of her life. The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers at this time." T

he Flowers-Clement family has announced that there will be no funeral services, but plans for a memorial service in the coming weeks in Los Angeles to celebrate her life and lasting contributions will be announced later.

Hello Friends,

You can catch me on weekends by listening to "The Tavis Smiley Radio Show."

Listen to my conversations with:

• Sheila E
• Gloria Gaynor as she celebrates the 30th anniversary of her hit, "I Will Survive."

For local listings or to listen to the podcast please visit www.tavissmileyradio.com.

Thanks and as always keep the faith!

Tavis