Exit

It was indeed a pleasure to support the Andrew Young Foundation as it hosted the 90th birthday celebration honoring the life and legacy of Ambassador Andrew Young.  With its theme of “Peace and Reconciliation” the week-long tribute featured multiple activities in Atlanta, Georgia, March 9-12, 2022.

As his wife Mrs. Carolyn Young so eloquently stated,…

“[Ambassador Young] has shaped this century.  He is a global icon who has helped pave the path…, a creator of social and economic opportunity for all.”

Civil rights activist, diplomat, politician, minister, and human rights advocate, Ambassador Andrew Young has devoted his life to service.  His impact on the city of Atlanta, our country and world is truly extraordinary:  advisor and confidant to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; US Congressman for Georgia; advisor to President Jimmy Carter; Ambassador to the United Nations; Mayor of Atlanta; proponent for bringing the Olympics to Atlanta; and Co-Chair of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. At 90 years old and refusing to retire, Ambassador Young continues his life legacy of service through the Andrew J. Young Foundation.

Highlights of the week-long celebrations included a global prayer service for world peace, a walk for peace and reconciliation, and an exhibition “The Many Lives of Andrew Young,” which included the debut of a coffee table book featuring full-color photographs and a captivating narrative capturing the civil rights leader’s extraordinary career, accomplishments, and leadership. The week culminated in the Andrew Young 90th Birthday Tribute Peace and Reconciliation Gala.

The gala was indeed the climax of the week and an absolutely stunning affair.  The Andrew J. Young Foundation hosted the gala, which served as a fundraiser for the organization.  The funds will empower the Foundation with the resources it needs to continue its work in “finding sustainable solutions for food security, fighting malnutrition, job creation, and economic development,” thereby furthering the Ambassador’s legacy of making social impact.

The sold-out gala of over 1800 guests brought together people from all walks of life throughout Atlanta and the nation. It also attracted attendees from various countries around the world.  Program participants included the Honorable Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia; the Honorable Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta; Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines; Bill Rogers, CEO of the Truist Financial Corporation; and Dan Cathy, Chairman of Chick-fil-A. There were video tributes provided by Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte, Stephen Colbert and Lionel Richie. Entertainment for the evening featured BeBe Winans, Amanda Colleen Williams, Michel Jons and The Whispers.

With most guests being over 65 years of age, and in the era of COVID, safety was a high priority for the Foundation. My team and I were members of the unit responsible for implementing COVID protocols. Our work provided a vital level of safety for guests, prevented long lines at check-in, and helped the Foundation to execute a seamless event. Logistical Support and Event Management are two of our key services.

Congratulations to Ambassador Andrew Young, Mrs. Carolyn Young, the entire staff of the Foundation, sponsors, the host committee, all volunteers, and other contributors to this absolutely incredible event. Your energy, time, talent, and, most of all, your love made this a wonderful celebration.

 

Categories: Events

Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Close
Go top