Atlanta, Georgia (April 4, 2007): Andrew Young Jr., the civil rights leader whose long career has included serving as a Georgia congressman, United States ambassador to the United Nations and mayor of the city of Atlanta, will take another leading role in a civil rights struggle by serving as honorary chairman of the National Federation of the Blind’s March for Independence. The march will take place on July 3, 2007, as part of the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind, to be held this year in Atlanta.
“As a youth, I would read the bible to my grandmother who was blind. This grounded me in my love for humanity and affirmed for me the value of all people,” said Ambassador Young. “The National Federation of the Blind demonstrates that blind people are an integral part of humanity, and reinforces the valuable role blind people play in our society. Still today, the blind face discrimination because of misconceptions about their capabilities, and the march will demonstrate their true capabilities to the public and advance the cause of civil rights for the blind. Therefore, I am honored to serve as the honorary chair of the National Federation of the Blind March for Independence.”
“We are honored to have a man like Andrew Young on our team,” said Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “He has served the cause of civil rights and our country with distinction, and his past leadership of the great city of Atlanta makes his participation in this event all the more fitting. We are pleased that he has stepped forward to serve as honorary chairman of our historic March for Independence.”
To register for the march or to sponsor a marcher, go to www.marchfoeindependence.org .
About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
John G. Paré Jr.
Director of Public Relations
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Telephone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2371
Cell phone: (410) 913-3912
Fax: (410) 685-5653