Carter G. Woodson 128th Birthday Celebration!

The 128th anniversary celebration of the birth of Dr. Carter G. Woodson will honor Derrick Bell, Ben E. King, Dr. Charles L. Blockson, Xerox Corporation, Albert McLeod Bethune and Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson.

2nd Annual Celebration of Legacy Awards Is Scheduled
Heroes In The Shadows Are Brought Into The Light"

Alexandria, VA (October 27,2003) The Luther P. Jackson Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH) is announcing additional honorees for its 2nd Annual Celebration of Legacy Awards and the addition of ABC News Anchor Maureen Bunyan as one of the hosts for the event. The event, set for December 19, 7PM, at the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Center will present History Maker" awards to Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas; and, author/historian Dr. Charles L. Blockson. They will receive two awards from the six (6) categories¯Living Legend, Corporate, Government, Next Generation, Historian, and Legacy.

Lou Phillips, President of the Luther P. Jackson Branch, states, We are thrilled to be associated with extending the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson to recognize the hard work of people like our 2003 award recipients. It is equally exciting for us to be at the front of honoring Dr. Woodson on the 128th anniversary of his birth."

The latest two award recipients: former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Eddie Bernice Johnson, is a representative from Texas 30th Congressional District in Dallas. She graduated from A.J. Moore High School and earned a B.A. from St. Marys College at the University of Notre Dame, a B.S. from Texas Christian University and a M.P.A. at Southern Methodist University. She served as chief psychiatric nurse and psychotherapist at the Veterans Hospital in Dallas, Texas. She entered public service in 1972 as a member of the Texas State House of Representatives; then, to Administrator of the United States Department of H.E.W.; Member of the Texas State Senate and finally a Member of the One Hundred Third Congress in 1993. An advocate for workers, children and families Representative Johnson has maintained that focus throughout the years. In her most recent assignment as Chairperson for the Congressional Black Caucus, she made sure that their work represented leadership for the benefit of all people. She lists affirmative action, workers rights, minimum wage and access to education as the sort of issues that keep her fighting on behalf of the American people to keep legacies protected.

The other recipient is a much admired scholar in Black studies and respected author Charles L. Blockson. A book lover as a young boy who has amassed one of the world's largest private collections of African American history. Dr. Blockson traveled extensively around the world, acquiring rare African, African American and African Caribbean publications dating back to the sixteenth century in addition to other materials. In 1984, Dr. Blockson donated these amazing items to Temple University, where he serves as curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection.

Dr. Blockson lectures internationally and organizes exhibitions and black studies programs throughout the country. He has served as director of the Pennsylvania Black History Committee, director of the Pennsylvania Afro-American History Board and governor's commissioner of the Governor's Heritage Program and he is considered one of the country's leading experts on the Underground Railroad.

   Phillips also revealed that the Corporate Award will be bestowed upon Xerox Corporation for its commitment and dedication to diversity and the values associated with legacy preservation. Xerox has a long history of recognizing excellence without regards to race, creed or color; and, it has demonstrated that commitment by being active in community programs which expand human understanding and demonstrate an appreciation for all Americans.

Additional honorees will be named in the near future. For more information: (703) 821-3300, x501, or visit www.cartergwoodson.com.
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Note to editors: Electronic photographs are available by e-mailing lphillips@cartergwoodson.com.