MEDIA RELEASE--Dr. John Hope Franklin to be Presented Paul Robeson "Here I Stand" Award | 21 April 2007

For Immediate Release
December 12, 2006
CONTACT: Rahim Muhammad 202-265-1670
http://www.martialactivist.org

DR. JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN RECEIVES PAUL ROBESON AWARD AT LINCOLN THEATRE

Washington, DC -

Historian, Presidential Advisor, internationally recognized scholar-historian John Hope Franklin will be interviewed live, onstage about his prodigious academic work studying the history of race relations in the United States. He will also receive the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute's Paul Robeson "Here I Stand" award for his unceasing efforts in educating the community at large.

In addition to being an honored historian and serving US Presidents, Mr. Franklin believes in reaching out to the community, in order to teach young adults about the tumultuous and tragic underpinnings of race, equality and social justice in our society today. He has spent a lifetime uncovering moments of courage and tragedy from the annals of American history, and more specifically, the history of African-Americans.

Dr. Ronald Walters, Director of the African American Leadership Institute, Distinguished Leadership Scholar, Professor in government and politics of the University of Maryland will interview Dr. Franklin.

Barbara Smith Conrad, world-renowned concert recitalist, mezzo-soprano, and civil rights pioneer will perform a selection of songs.

Candice Hoyes, soprano, vocalist nouveau appears as well.

DC's historic Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street N.W., Washington D.C., Saturday, April 21 from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. will be the venue for this fundraising event.

Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute is a nonprofit located in the U Street community addressing the high risks for disease and violence faced by inner city residents. Through this event, and previous Lincoln Theatre events, the institute provides examples of qualities that are necessary to be effective leaders such as perseverance, consistency, team-building and team-leading, time management, decision-making, planning and problem-solving, building trust, diet, nutrition, personal hygiene, etiquette, and preventive health care. The institute grew from the passionate commitment to community betterment, of a fourth-generation Washingtonian. In a city that remains stubbornly segregated, the institute is a magnet for students of all races, ages, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientation who come together for personal and spiritual growth.

Tickets available February 1, 2007, at Ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster outlets, as well as Lincoln Theater box office. Ticketmaster locations include Hechts, Kemp Mill Music, and Tower Records. The Lincoln Theater Box Office (Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m) is located at 1215 U Street, NW.

Community outlets for individual and group tickets may contact Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute 1351 U Street, NW, Washington, DC (202-265-1670) or Dar Es Salaam Books, 3830 34th St. Mt Rainier, MD 20712 (240-667-2299).

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