McDonald : Award-Winning Gospel Singer Kierra Sheard Joins McDonald’s to Surprise Rising R&B/Soul Singer/Songwriter with Singing Lessons, and More, as Part of the Black & Positively Golden Mentors Program →

The virtual content series provides up-and-coming talent with one-on-one coaching from esteemed industry leaders

(January 26, 2021) - McDonald's USA, through its Black & Positively Golden movement, has partnered with award-winning gospel singer, Kierra Sheard, to serve as a mentor in its content series. Starting today, fans can tune in to @wearegolden on IGTV to watch Kierra's one-on-one mentoring session with 23-year-old Mississippi native and R&B/soul singer/ songwriter on the rise, JaDarius 'JD' Flagg.

As the third Golden Mentor, Kierra's collaboration with McDonald's follows her recent participation in the 14^th annual McDonald's Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour. The songstress knows first-hand the value of mentorship as the daughter of a legendary Clark Sister, and granddaughter of renowned gospel choir director, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark.

'I grew up with built-in mentors,' said Sheard, who attributes much of her success to the mentorship she received from her family. 'My family didn't pressure me to be perfect, but there was a standard you were expected to meet. They guided me and taught me a lot. In doing so, I learned the importance of having and being a mentor, so I'm excited to partner with McDonald's to help another young singer who is trying to make it.'

During Kierra and JD's lively mentoring session, the two discussed their love of music, strong faith and the importance of family. JD was also surprised with a singing lesson that took place earlier this month, courtesy of Kierra and McDonald's.

'I learned so much from my mentor, 'the' Kierra Sheard, who took time to answer questions regarding life, singing and career goals,' said Flagg. 'I gained invaluable tools from my singing lesson with Kierra and am looking forward to putting to practice all the gems she shared. I can't thank McDonald's enough for making this happen.'

McDonald's Black & Positively Golden Mentors is just one of the many initiatives created to help serve up bright futures in the communities McDonald's serves. The company is committed to leveraging their scale to provide training and education programs to build a path forward for people that supports their goals, no matter where they are in their lives.

'Kierra Sheard is the perfect addition to our Golden Mentors roster of talented industry leaders,' said Elizabeth Campbell, Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, McDonald's USA. 'If you've seen one of her Gospel Tour performances, Kierra is energetic and simply amazing. She's all that you'd want a mentor to be and we couldn't be more excited to give JD this golden opportunity to hear and learn from her directly.'

Debuting in October 2020, the McDonald's Black & Positively Golden Mentors Program has already connected with award-winning rapper, singer and songwriter, Big Sean, and Technology Activist Ian Michael Brock with two mentees. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming 'Golden Mentors,' including Journalist and Activist Jamilah Lemieux and NASCAR Driver and Advocate Bubba Wallace, and more, over the next few months.

Visit www.blackandpositivelygolden.com to learn more, and follow @wearegolden on Instagram to watch mentor sessions and receive program updates.

About McDonald's Black & Positively Golden
Launched in 2019, McDonald's Black & Positively Golden movement is designed to uplift communities and shine a brilliant light on Black excellence through empowerment, education and entrepreneurship. It highlights all things positive and focuses on stories of truth, power and pride. The campaign movement is a natural extension of the brand's longstanding commitment to the African American consumer.

About McDonald's USA
McDonald's serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, http://www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Instagram at @WeAreGolden and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the Black & Positively Golden initiative, visit www.mcdonalds.com.