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AARP On MLK, Jr.


AARP today announced the release of a thought provoking video that captures the true spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy. The 48th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. King's historic I Have a Dream speech will be celebrated Aug. 28 at the official dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. This is the first memorial on the National Mall to honor a man of color and the only one that does not commemorate a president or a war. 

Reflecting on this historic moment, AARP's My Generation created a stirring video tribute titled "The Living Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr." that profiles several contemporary leaders who reflect on the ways Dr. King's work changed their lives.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Gen. Colin L. Powell (Ret.) acclaimed journalist Colman McCarthy, Freedom Rider Rev. Perry A. Smith, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

and a host of others share their thoughts and observations on how Dr. King's living legacy continues to shape our world today-including the recent nonviolent revolution in Egypt. 

"It is important to capture the extraordinary life of Dr. King, and to show how his steadfast pursuit for civil and human rights remains relevant today," said A. Barry Rand, CEO, AARP. "We believe this video will inspire Americans, particularly those who remember how he fought for peace among all people, so they can share his messages of justice, democracy and hope with today's generation."

Paying homage to Dr. King and to the nonviolent campaigns to secure civil rights for which he stood, the video includes momentous footage from the Civil Rights Movement, and commentary from representatives of the Asian American Justice Center, United Farm Workers and American Islamic Congress.

The special segment will air live at the pre-dedication ceremony to an expected audience of 400,000, and also it can be seen nationally on public television stations. Go to www.mygeneration.org or call your local PBS station for times. In addition to developing the video, AARP donated $1 million to the construction of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

To learn more about the many ways AARP is addressing topics of interest to the 50+ African American community, go to www.aarp.org/blackcommunity.
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