Bell Atlantic Underwrites NAACP's Internet Web Site Operation

Bell Atlantic Underwrites NAACP's Internet Web Site Operation

Company Previously Funded
Site's Development

February 5, 1997

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The NAACP's efforts to attract new
members, combat
cyberhate and build coalitions in cyberspace are getting a boost from
Bell Atlantic. A $15,000 donation from the company will cover the
cost of having a "webmaster" maintain the NAACP's Internet
World Wide
Web site for one year.

The NAACP's web site was launched
last July after Bell Atlantic
donated $50,000 to plan, design and develop the site. The additional
donation allows the NAACP to pay a part-time employee to keep it
up-to-date.

"Bell Atlantic's contribution represents our continued support to
one
of the country's oldest, most notable and influential civil rights
organizations," said Bell Atlantic External Affairs Director William
Roberts. "By making sure the NAACP has access to the latest
communications technology, we're supporting its efforts to obtain
racial justice."

"We cannot thank Bell Atlantic enough for its tremendous
support,"
said NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume. "I am continually
impressed with the company's vision, and willingness to help the NAACP
move into the Information Age. Bell Atlantic's leadership and
assistance in building and now operating the web site has helped
enormously."

Mfume said over 50,000 people visit the site each week, and many of
those people have used the site to become new members.

Kenita Earl, a 19-year-old who was hired by the NAACP in September to
maintain the site, said she appreciates the opportunity. "It gives
me a chance to use my skills in a project that can really make a
difference for people," Earl said. Her duties also will include
linking chapter members through e-mail, and helping to create a
virtual library of information and electronic forums.

Earl is a graduate of Roosevelt High School in the District of
Columbia and the Washington Area Partnership for Youth (WAPY)
YouthLink program. YouthLink is an innovative Internet access and
entrepreneurial business training program for at-risk youths which
Bell Atlantic also supports. WAPY recommended Earl because she
successfully completed its rigorous six-month training program and
demonstrated her commitment to improving her life. "They (WAPY)
have
been really supportive and in my corner," Earl said.

"Everyone wins from this relationship," said Adam Dennis,
WAPY's
executive director. "The NAACP is providing real-life work
experience
for one of our graduates, and we are providing the type of person the
NAACP needs to harness the Internet's capabilities."

Bell Atlantic Corp. (NYSE: BEL) is
at the forefront of the new
communications, entertainment and information industry. In the
mid-Atlantic region, the company is the premier provider of local
telecommunications and advanced services. Globally, it is one of the
largest investors in the high-growth wireless communication
marketplace. Bell Atlantic also owns a substantial interest in
Telecom Corporation of New Zealand and is actively developing
high-growth national and international business opportunities in all
phases of the industry.

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