RAPPER NELLY HONORED

Rapper Nelly will be honored in New York at the Black Retail Action Group's 36th Annual Scholarship & Awards fundraiser on Friday (October 27).

The nonprofit will honor Nelly for penetrating the retail clothing world with his clothing line, Apple Bottoms and his charitable efforts and student scholarships he created through companies like Jes Us 4 Jackie and his energy drink, Pimp Juice.

"Our goal is to make this a very special evening and in doing so reach historical fundraising proportions for Brag, so we may be proud of the impact we are creating for our future students and leaders," said BRAG President Gail Monroe-Perry.

Other honorees during the evening will include former NFL linebacker Carl Banks, president of sports licensing for GIII Apparel Group; Stephanie Murphy, vice president of retail sales for the NBA Store; and Nick Grayston, president/CEO of Foot Locker, Foot Action and Kids Foot Locker America.

BRAG has also awarded over 200 scholarships totaling more than $300,000 to needy college students.