The Andrew J. Young Foundation will celebrate the 82nd birthday of its founder, Ambassador Andrew Young with its 2nd Pass on Blessings Awards ceremony to be held on Sunday, May 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Buckhead Theatre,. The Pass on Blessings Award was created to affirm the giving spirit and actions of accomplished people who have used the bounty of their blessing to make a difference in the lives of others.
This year’s ceremony will recognize the life and work of American legends that helped build Atlanta’s skyline and Atlanta’s image as a world-class metropolis, and changed America from a divided to a united nation. Their contributions and acts of courage in government, business, philanthropy, sports, entertainment, and human and civil rights were instrumental in breaking down racial barriers, and racial and economic injustice in America; altering the course of our nation; and creating a legacy that continues to make an impact on Atlanta and the world.
The Pass on Blessings Awards was established by Carolyn McClain Young, vice chair of the Andrew J. Young Foundation and wife of Ambassador Young. This year’s honorees are: President Lyndon Baines and Lady Bird Johnson (posthumously); Henry “Hank” and Billye Aaron, John. and Jan Portman, Herman and Sylvia E. Russell, and Stevie Wonder
Ambassador Young stressed the need to salute the honorees for this year’s ceremony. “The progress and success of Atlanta is based on a half-century of visionary service. Many people today think it happened by accident,” states Ambassador Andrew Young. “With the Pass on Blessings Awards ceremony we are saying thank you to the courage and contributions of the investors in this vision, and in so doing, helping the millions of new Atlantans realize how all of this came together. It was through collaboration. We brought businesses, government, churches, universities and the panorama of cultures together. That is what has made Atlanta the city of the future.”
The ceremony will be emceed by legendary Atlanta newswoman Monica Pearson and actors Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe. Superstar recording artist Stevie Wonder will be on hand to receive a Pass on Blessings Award for his life’s work as a global ambassador for peace and justice through music. The “UK Queen of Soul” now Atlanta transplant, Julie Dexter, will perform throughout the show. Event co-chairs are Alexander B. Cummings, Jr., Vicki R. Palmer, Nick C. Sellers and Carolyn McClain Young.
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