The Andrew J. Young Foundation will celebrate the 83rd birthday of its founder and chair, Ambassador Andrew Young, by hosting the Inaugural Andrew J. Young International Leadership Awards. The ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia. Red carpet starts at 5:00 pm and the awards gala dinner begins at 6:15 pm.
In the tradition of our past awards events, the Foundation will honor exemplary individuals whose generous actions, philanthropy and servant leadership have had an extraordinary impact on changing the lives of others, and the world community at-large. The new title reflects the Foundation’s renewed strategic direction as we have aligned the programs and initiatives with Ambassador Young’s life work and leadership roles reflected in the following award categories and honorees:
- Civil Rights and Civic Participation
Ava DuVernay, Director, Screenwriter, and Filmmaker
- Public Service and Advocacy
Alana Shepherd, Co-Founder, Shepherd Center
- Community Engagement
Strive Masiyiwa, Businessman, Philanthropist, Founder and CEO, Econet Wireless Group
- International Humanitarian Initiatives
Lucien Ebata, Attorney, Entrepreneur, Humanitarian, and Founder Forbes Afrique
- Chairman’s Award
Warner Williams, Vice President of Production (ret.), the Chevron Corporation
Based on Ambassador Young’s leadership example that began as a young man and his contributions to the global community, the Foundation creates space for the development and preparation of the next generations of young leaders by facilitating connections between generations who are committed to action. “This is about sharing hard-won knowledge and equally hard-won hope that action can result in change,” said Ambassador Andrew Young. To this end, the theme for this event is “Connecting Generations”.
“More important than who we honor, is what we do with the money we raise during this event,” stated Ambassador Young. “For 83 years I have lived a blessed life and I’ve always been taught that to whom much is given of them, much is required. Now, I’m continuing with my bucket list of blessings. The Foundation gives me a platform to share the blessings I have received in my life and career, and taking them to continue our work of exporting blessings to deserving people and institutions at home and around the world,” he added.
The ceremony will be emceed by actor, comedian, philanthropist Chris Tucker; Fox 5 Atlanta news anchor Cynee Simpson; and South African business woman, talk show host and author, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle.
Special guest T.I. will acknowledge Ambassador Young life’s work accompanied by recording artists Lyfe Jennings and Alyson Williams. This year’s gala will also feature performances by recording artists Valerie Simpson and Beth Spangler; opera singer Abiodun Koya; the Morehouse College Glee Club; the Jonathan Williams Tribute Band and many others.
“We use the occasion of Andy’s birthday to recognize and honor the good works and largess of others because Andy would not have it any other way,” stated Carolyn McClain Young, wife of Ambassador Young and vice chair of the Foundation. “He wants to shine a spotlight on those who serve “the least of these,” and those who use their life and work to make a positive impact on the world.
Proceeds from this event will support the expansion of the Foundation’s current programs and seed future initiatives.
About the Andrew J. Young Foundation
The Andrew J. Young Foundation promotes more just and prosperous communities in the U.S. and globally by developing and supporting new generations of multiracial leadership. The Foundation supports efforts in four areas that reflect Andrew Young’s work as a pastor, activist, ambassador, and elected official — Community and Faith-based Initiatives; Civil Rights and Civic Participation; International Humanitarian Initiatives; and Public Service.
