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2nd Annual Celebration of Legacy Awards Is Scheduled
“Heroes In The Shadows Are Brought Into The Light”
Alexandria, VA (October 8, 2003) The Luther P. Jackson Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH) will celebrate the 128th birth year of Dr. Carter G. Woodson at its 2nd Annual Celebration of Legacy Awards. The event, set for December 19, 7PM, at the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Center will present “History Maker” awards to citizens in six (6) categories―Living Legend, Corporate, Government, Next Generation, Historian, and Legacy.
Lou Phillips, President of the Luther P. Jackson Branch, states, “Last year’s inaugural salute built a firm foundation for us to really shine in celebrating the rightful legacy of Carter G. Woodson, who dedicated his life to honoring the contributions of African Americans in particular. He also appreciated all people who were pushed to the margins of society. It is wholly appropriate that we honor him every year on his birthday.”
Among the first recipients to be announced: famed author and law professor Derrick Bell who is one of the most compelling voices today on issues of race and class. Mr. Bell was named the first tenured Black professor at the Harvard Law School in 1971. He served as Dean of the Law School at the University of Oregon and has been widely published in professional journals, newspapers and through major publishers. His book “Race, Racism and American Law” is now in its third edition and his book “Constitutional Conflict” is a text for basic Constitutional Law. And, his autobiographical work “Confronting Authority: Reflections of An Ardent Protester” is an honest account of his struggles as an educator, writer, and non-conformist in a society filled with racism. Also, renowned rhythm and blues entertainer Ben E. King, who will receive one of two Living Legend awards. King first came into the spotlight as the lead singer of the legendary Drifters featured in hits including the ageless “There Goes My Baby” and “Save The Last Dance For Me.” He launched his solo career in 1960, recording the trend-setting “Spanish Harlem” and the memorable “Stand By Me”; he followed those with “Amour” (1961), “Don’t Play That Song” (1962), and “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “I (Who Have Nothing)” (1963). Mr. King has also gained notoriety through his Ben E. King Foundation which provides assistance to youngsters seeking training and development in music. His foundation is dedicated to providing financial support as a way to help in the preparation of future artists and leaders in the music industry.
Phillips also revealed that the Legacy Award will be bestowed upon Albert McLeod Bethune, Jr., the grandson of the esteemed civil rights leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune. This award recognizes an individual who extends the legacy of a great American who devoted his or her life to improving the condition of the community and thereby benefiting the nation and the world at large. Bethune has committed a major portion of his life preserving the legacy of his famous grandmother through the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation. His ancestor founded the Daytona (FL) Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls (now Bethune-Cookman College) in 1904 and served as its president from 1904 to 1942 and from 1946 to 1947. She was a leader in the black women’s club movement, serving as president of the National Association of Colored Women. A confidante of Eleanor Roosevelt, she was a delegate and an advisor to national conferences on education, child welfare, and home ownership. Among her other distinguished positions: Director of Negro Affairs in the National Youth Administration (1936–1944); consultant to the U.S. Secretary of War for the selection of the first female officer candidates; consultant on interracial affairs and understanding at the charter conference of the United Nations; founder of the National Council of Negro Women; and Vice-president of the NAACP. For her faithful stewardship, Dr. Bethune was awarded the Haitian Medal of Honor and Merit, that country’s highest award, as well as Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa from Liberia.
Additional honorees will be named in the near future. For more information: (703) 821-3300, x501, or visit www.cartergwoodson.com.
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