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.
Source: AARP