AARP Reflects on the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Aug. 22, 2011 14:00 UTC

    AARP Reflects on the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Live video tribute at MLK Memorial features influential leaders

    WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
    AARP today announced the release of a thought provoking video that
    captures the true spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?s legacy. The 48th
    anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. King?s historic I Have
    a Dream
    speech will be celebrated Aug. 28 at the official dedication
    of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. This is the first memorial on
    the National Mall to honor a man of color and the only one that does not
    commemorate a president or a war.

    Reflecting on this historic moment, AARP?s My
    Generation
    created a stirring video tribute titled ?The
    Living Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.?
    that profiles several
    contemporary leaders who reflect on the ways Dr. King?s work changed
    their lives. Former
    U.S. Secretary of State Gen. Colin L. Powell (Ret.)
    , acclaimed
    journalist Colman McCarthy, Freedom Rider Rev.
    Perry A. Smith
    , U.S.
    Attorney General Eric Holder
    and a host of others share their
    thoughts and observations on how Dr. King?s living legacy continues to
    shape our world today?including the recent
    nonviolent revolution in Egypt
    .

    ?It is important to capture the extraordinary life of Dr. King, and to
    show how his steadfast pursuit for civil and human rights remains
    relevant today,? said A. Barry Rand, CEO, AARP. ?We believe this video
    will inspire Americans, particularly those who remember how he fought
    for peace among all people, so they can share his messages of justice,
    democracy and hope with today?s generation.?

    Paying homage to Dr. King and to the nonviolent campaigns to secure
    civil rights for which he stood, the video includes momentous footage
    from the Civil Rights Movement, and commentary from representatives of
    the Asian American Justice Center, United Farm Workers and American
    Islamic Congress.

    The special segment will air live at the pre-dedication ceremony to an
    expected audience of 400,000, and also it can be seen nationally on
    public television stations. Go to www.mygeneration.org
    or call your local PBS station for times. In addition to developing the
    video, AARP donated $1 million to the construction of the Martin Luther
    King, Jr. Memorial.

    To learn more about the many ways AARP is addressing topics of interest
    to the 50+ African American community, go to www.aarp.org/blackcommunity.

    About AARP?s My Generation

    Daytime Emmy nominated My
    Generation
    features celebrities and nationally known experts
    covering issues from health and money to relationships and volunteering.
    The program includes award-winning stories of reinvention, pursuing your
    passion and making a difference.

    AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that
    helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are
    beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not
    endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either
    political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the
    definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world’s largest-circulation
    magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news
    source for AARP’s millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the
    only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+
    Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an
    affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment
    to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers,
    donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the
    District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    Contacts

    AARP
    Hillary John, 202-434-2560
    hjohn@aarp.org

    Source: AARP