For immediate release: The Andrew J. Young Foundation Salutes Atlanta Power Couples, Honors Legends and Legacies
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- PRESS INFORMATION
- President Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson
- Monica Pearson
- Carolyn McClain Young
- About the Andrew J. Young Foundation
PRESS INFORMATION Media Contact: Kelley Jackson 770.572.3766 kelleybassjackson@gmail.com
Nearly 600 guests attended this year’s ceremony saluting the life and work of American legends that helped build Atlanta’s skyline and Atlanta’s image as a world-class metropolis, and changed America from a divided to a united nation. The Pass on Blessings 2014 honorees are: President Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson (posthumously) Luci Baines Johnson (daughter, accepted the award) Henry “Hank” Aaron and Billye Suber Aaron John C. Portman, Jr. and Jan Portman Herman J. Russell, Sr. and Sylvia E. Russell As the nation recognizes the 50th Anniversary of hallmark legislation passed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act, Medicare, Head Start, the Food Stamp program, and many others, the Foundation deemed it fitting to honor Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson whose achievements during his administration transformed America. The bills Johnson signed into law struck down racial barriers, promoted equal rights and opened the doors to opportunity for black Americans, dramatically altering the course of history, and creating what Johnson called “The Great Society”. Luci Baines Johnson spoke about her parents’ legacy, acknowledging that they did not act alone. “It is a great honor to accept this award on behalf of my first heroes Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, from their forever hero and mine, Andrew Young,” Baines stated. “How typical it is for Andy Young to deflect the glory most of us enjoy on our birthday by wanting to "Pass the Blessings" of life onto others… We want to shout it from the rooftop, what a blessing you are to humanity!" - continued - Page 2 – Pass on Blessings “In the wake of the civil rights movement, Atlanta came of age as a model of cross-racial cooperation as a means to economic growth and opportunity for all, a model that subsequently set the standard for cities across the nation,” said Andrea Young, executive director of the Andrew J. Young Foundation. “For a decade now, the Foundation has fostered a mission to continue the vision, values and virtues that have moved this nation to higher ground. Our Pass on Blessings 2014 honorees embody those same ideals and have demonstrated their commitment for a better society in their life’s work.” The contributions of the honorees and their acts of courage in government, business, philanthropy, sports, entertainment, and human and civil rights were instrumental in breaking down racial barriers, and racial and economic injustice in America. Through their individual and collective accomplishments, they altered the course of our nation and created legacies that continue to make an impact on Atlanta and the world today. “People need to know that we didn’t get here by accident,” stated Ambassador Andrew Young. “The Atlanta we know was built by the business community coming together with community leaders and churches and deciding how we were going to work together to rise above the battles that were going on in other cities in the South. It took collaboration and cooperation to build Atlanta, which is now a world-class city.” The awards ceremony was emceed by Atlanta personality Monica Pearson and actors Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe. The event was co-chaired by Alexander B. Cummings, Jr., executive vice president and chief administrative officer, The Coca-Cola Company; Vicki R. Palmer, retired Coca-Cola executive and president of The Palmer Goup; Nick C. Sellers, vice president of regulatory and corporate affairs, Alabama Power; and Carolyn McClain Young, vice chair of the Andrew J. Young Foundation and wife of Ambassador Young. Also known as the “UK Queen of Soul,” now Atlanta transplant, Julie Dexter, performed throughout the show with an 8-piece band while Da Famous Boyzz, an Atlanta-based hip hop group, opened the show with their rendition of the hit song, “Happy.” For more information on the Foundation, visit www.andrewjyoungfoundation.org. About the Andrew J. Young Foundation The Andrew J. Young Foundation exists to share the vision, values and virtues that shaped the life of a Civil Rights activist, a U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a two-term Atlanta mayor, and a world champion of human rights. The Foundation provides vehicles and opportunities so that others may be inspired by Andrew Young’s life experiences. Award-winning documentaries, lectures, international health projects, and community engagement initiatives are among the Foundation’s programs that give insight and instruction based on Ambassador Young’s zeal for education, world health, leadership and human rights. # # # Download 39.29 Kb. Share with your friends:
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