Preserve Your Family Legacy This Black History Month

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year during the month of February, thousands of Americans reflect on the legacy of struggle and triumph of African-American pioneers and cultural contributors. In celebration of Black History Month, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is encouraging everyone to create their own legacies.

"Black History Month is an excellent time to learn about our past and appreciate the lessons learned to inform our future," said Nicole Bremser, director of multicultural Market Development. "By not forgetting those who came before us and by planning ahead for future generations, we can all create a foundation for the future. MassMutual remains committed to helping businesses, families and communities carry on the legacy together," she concluded.

MassMutual recognizes Black History Month as part of a multifaceted outreach program designed to deepen its connection with African-American consumers and attract new talent to the mutual life insurance company.

Black History Month sets aside each February to learn, honor, and celebrate the legacies of black men and women throughout history. In that spirit, MassMutual offers these steps to help create your own legacy by preserving your family's heritage for future generations.

• Talk with your family about your past, your present and goals for the future.
• Teach your children the value of planning and saving for the future.
• Talk to a financial professional who can assist you with financial planning solutions to protect your investments.
• Start planning for your children's future by opening a college fund
• Protect your family, your income and your business from the unexpected with adequate insurance coverage.
• Evaluate your retirement savings plan to be sure it is on track at the beginning of each new year.

An ad specially designed for Black History Month salutes the entrepreneurial spirit of the African-American small business owners who help make communities great throughout the country and those who paved the way for their success. The ad will run in Black Enterprise in February, as well as in local community newspapers.

Additional national advertising, marketing materials, an enhanced Web presence, public relations and strategic relationships with national organizations are all part of MassMutual's intensified effort to connect with the African-American community.

MassMutual is also committed to expanding its talented network of African American financial professionals by working with various colleges and universities throughout the country, participating in recruiting venues and reaching out directly to African American communities. The company also plans to create more awareness for the financial services career by sharing success stories of their African-American agents.

The Black History Month ad and other resources can be accessed at massmutual.com/africanamerican. Visit facebook.com/massmutual or massmutual.com to learn more or to contact a qualified financial professional. To read more news about MassMutual, visit massmutual.com/news.

About MassMutual

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyholders.  The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders every year since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives.  MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services LLC, member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

For more information, visit massmutual.com.

CRN201302-145158

SOURCE MassMutual