...The Rotary Club of Birmingham recognizes the importance of supporting the Mayor Bell’s vision and efforts related to this historic event.
Birmingham, Alabama (PRWEB) September 30, 2014
The Rotary Club of Birmingham announced today their material support of the City of Birmingham’s upcoming Human Rights Week, through the donation of human and financial resources. Building on last year’s “50 Years Forward” celebration – which was attended by Condoleezza Rice and Attorney General Eric Holder – this year’s events will feature His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who will be visiting Birmingham as a show of support for the City’s ongoing efforts to promote human rights.
Among several other planned events, the highlight of this year’s Human Rights Week will be a public appearance by the Dalai Lama on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at Regions Field. More than 15,000 people are expected to be on-hand and as many as 500,000 may also view the event through a webcast. “The Dalai Lama is a renowned leader and human rights activist. He has long been inspired by the peaceful protest model of the Civil Rights Movement here in Birmingham,” said Mayor William Bell. “It is truly an honor to have him visit our city and experience both our history and expectations of Birmingham 50 Years Forward. The international community will see Birmingham as the center for human rights in the United States. I am grateful to the Rotary and the entire business community for leading this transformational event.”
“Human Rights Week will once again focus the world’s attention on the remarkable progress that has been made in our community relative to human rights and builds upon the momentum we have created to place Birmingham on an international stage as a city of significance,” said Sanjay Singh, President of the Rotary Club of Birmingham. “As an embodiment of business and civic leaders a broad spectrum of the community, The Rotary Club of Birmingham recognizes the importance of supporting the Mayor Bell’s vision and efforts related to this historic event.”
Tickets for the public event at Regions Field are currently available through Ticketmaster and a limited number of hospitality suites are still available through the Regions Field box office, although the event is expected to sell out well in advance. The broad appeal of the Dalai Lama will draw attendees from every race, faith, and nationality imaginable, with many traveling from considerable distances. “With current events in the Ukraine, Syria, Africa, and the Gaza Strip as constant reminders, the world needs an epicenter of hope – an ever-present reminder that positive, non-violent change is possible for those that persist in the face of adversity and are patient,” continued Mayor Bell. “In that regard, we not only recognize the courage and sacrifices of those that came before us, but we equally embrace the responsibility we have as an example to others that are facing extraordinary challenges in their societies.”
About The City of Birmingham
The City of Birmingham, Alabama is the largest city in the state with a population currently estimated at 242,820, and a metro population of 1,079,089. Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at the cross-section of two major railroads, the city was once the primary industrial center of the southern United States. At the height of the nation’s manufacturing age, the city grew so fast in population, it was called the “Magic City.” Today, Birmingham has transformed itself into a medical research, banking and service-based economy, making it one of the nation’s most livable cities with a vibrant downtown, a burgeoning loft community, a world-class culinary scene and more green space per capita than any other city in the nation. Birmingham also boasts 99 historic neighborhoods and is often referred to as the cradle of the American Civil Rights Movement. The city is centrally located in the southeast and easily accessible to major hubs in the region. For more information, visit http://www.birminghamal.gov.
About the Rotary Club of Birmingham
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs. The Rotary Club of Birmingham Club enjoys premier status amongst the world’s Rotary clubs. With more than 640 members, corporate leaders and leading professionals from the area, it is the world’s largest Rotary Club – and the only one from which two Rotary International presidents have come. It also provided the first chairman of Rotary’s PolioPlus campaign which has come very close to its goal of wiping out polio around the world. Learn more at http://www.birminghamrotary.org/.
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