Kmart, Steve Harvey help 'share the word' on Black History Month

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart announced that it is teaming up with comedian Steve Harvey for its Share the Word campaign celebrating Black History Month.

According to the company, this year's installment of the Share the Word program was designed to spotlight the unique bonds found in black communities that historically have driven the progression of African-Americans.

Kmart announced that this year it is offering customers the chance to win a Kmart-sponsored block party with an appearance by Harvey. Entries will be accepted until Feb. 18, and a final winner will be selected in the beginning of March. As additional incentive to apply for the block party, Kmart said it also will donate $100 for every entry received to the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program, up to $25,000.

Kmart said it also is partnering with Dress for Success, an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

In conjunction with Dress for Success, Kmart will host two in-store events: one featuring Harvey on Feb. 12 in Memphis, and the second on Feb. 15 in Charlotte, N.C. Both events will include style advice and consultations from Dress for Success reps and local stylists, as well as special day-long discounts for Dress for Success attendees. The event in Memphis also will include an autograph session with Harvey.

"Kmart's Share the Word program is a great way to empower African-American communities," Harvey said. "They not only listen to what their customers want, but they also do whatever they can to support [the customers], and their contribution to my foundation and Dress for Success are true examples of that."

Kmart's Share the Word website will launch on Feb. 1, offering links to blog posts as well as relevant sales and promotions available at Kmart stores. Customers also will be able to enter the block party contest through the site.