MILWAUKEE (August 23, 2011) - For more than a century, Harley-Davidson has been at the heart of American rebellion, freedom, and authenticity. On Aug. 27-28, the iconic motorcycle company will build on this tradition with its sponsorship of the seventh annual Afro-Punk Festival in Brooklyn, N.Y.

“Harley-Davidson and Afro-Punk are the perfect match,” said Amanda Lee, manager, public relations outreach at Harley-Davidson. “As cultural movements, we’re giving voice to all those who hunger for freedom and self-expression, and who want to live cage-free lives unshackled by the status quo.”

Harley-Davidson will host a number of unique events that will make this year’s Afro-Punk Festival a truly distinctive experience. The Harley-Davidson Golden Horse Saloon will be on-site and at the center of all the Afro-Punk action, including daily autograph signing sessions with artists and performers. Guests of the Golden Horse Saloon can swing their leg over a real Harley-Davidson motorcycle to feel the thrill of the throttle, fire up the engine and shift through the gears with Jumpstart, Harley’s signature stationary riding experience – no license or riding experience required.

In addition to the Golden Horse Saloon, Harley-Davidson is the presenting sponsor of the Afro-Punk custom bike show and calendar shoot, produced by Denim & Chrome, a Brooklyn-based photography project aimed at documenting the evolution of the Black biker movement in America.

The partnership forged between Harley-Davidson and Afro-Punk is a natural one, born from a shared love of rebellion and the American counter-culture movement. From punk rock music to tattoos, skater culture, BMX and motorcycle riding, both organizations have grown to popularity by empowering young people to embrace their individuality.

“Over the past 108 years, Harley-Davidson has come to represent more than our motorcycles,” said Lee. “Harley-Davidson is a lifestyle brand – a cultural movement that is rich with soul and resonates powerfully across generations.”

Similarly, Afro-Punk represents more than music and art as it gives voice to thousands of multicultural individuals who strongly identify with a lifestyle outside stereotypical norms. In teaming up with Afro-Punk, Harley-Davidson continues to resonate with and empower this independent, rebel spirit with today’s young adults. Connecting with and inspiring such communities has helped make Harley-Davidson the number one selling on-street motorcycle among young adults age 18-34 in the U.S.

Harley-Davidson will display some of its iconic motorcycles and products throughout the weekend at the Golden Horse Saloon, including the recently launched V-Rod Night Rod Special, a motorcycle that Harley has dubbed “the perfect balance of performance and street swagger.”

Featuring performances by artists such as Cee Lo Green, Santigold and Janelle Monae, Afro-Punk Festival takes place Aug. 27-28 at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, N.Y. Admission to the festival is free and performances begin at 11 a.m. For more information about the festival please visit www.afropunk.com.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.