So many civil rights leaders were cut down in their prime or suffered untimely deaths, but the Rev. Joseph Lowery, one of the main organizers behind the Montgomery Bus boycott that brought a young Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to national prominence, celebrates his 90th birthday this week.
A stalwart of the civil rights movement, Lowery was the head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) for 30 years, but he’s best known to a younger generation as the man who provided the memorable benediction at the 2009 inauguration of the nation’s first Black president. Lowery is also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor bestowed on individuals who have contributed to the country in a significant way.
On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Joseph E. Lowery Institute presents a musical celebration in honor of Lowery’s 90th birthday at Atlanta’s Symphony Hall. Stevie Wonder will headline the tribute hosted by CNN’s Soledad O’Brien. Jennifer Holliday, Peabo Bryson, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, the Blind Boys of Alabama, actresses Dawnn Lewis and Cicely Tyson and other special guests will participate as well. The event is open to the public. Proceeds will benefit the Lowery Institute which works to advance the cause of human rights nationwide.
article courtesy of BlackAmericaWeb.com/Tonya Pendleton
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