Artsnotes: Historian to Receive Award | WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN, April 21, 2007 - April 27, 2007, P.C2

Abdur-Rahim Muhammad announced that the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute will present John Hope Franklin, Ph.D., with the 2007 "Here I Stand" award that is named in honor the great Paul Robeson.

"We present the award each year to an individual that we believe has lived their life and managed their career with uncompromised integrity consistent with Paul Robeson's statement that 'I make no separation between my work as an artist and my work as a human being,'" Muhammad said.

"Franklin, a historian and former president of every major Historical Society in the United States, has lived his life in exactly this manner." Franklin is also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented to him by then President William "Bill" Clinton.

His book, From Slavery to Freedom changed forever how United States history is taught and understood.

"Dr. Franklin, in my opinion, is the most important scholar since Dr. W.E.B. Dubois," Muhammad said. "Dr. Franklin said that his favorite book is Dr. Dubois' Souls of Black Folks."

Ron Walters, Ph.D., will interview Franklin at 7:30 pm., on April 21 a the historic Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St. N.W. Walters is the distinguished professor of Politics and Leadership at the University of Maryland.

Also appearing on the program will be world-renowned mezzo-soprano Barbara Smith Conrad and soprano Candice Hoyes who will sing Marian Anderson and Paul Robeson's favorite spirituals and selections from each one's repertory. Call 202-265-1670 for ticket and other needy children and young adults."

"The terrorism of poverty and illiteracy continues to overwhelm tens of thousands of America's young citizens," said Harry Belafonte who was the first recipient of the award. "I commend the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute for its commitment to the welfare of young people in our nations' capital by its example in confronting the terrors of poverty and illiteracy. I encourage that the Institute be supported to the fullest measure in this important undertaking."

Call Muhammad at the number listed above or visit online at www.martialactivist.org for more information on the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute.