- Live video tribute at MLK Memorial features influential leaders -

(BLACK PR WIRE)--WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.  

About AARP’s My Generation

Daytime Emmy nominated My Generation features celebrities and nationally known experts covering issues from health and money to relationships and volunteering. The program includes award-winning stories of reinvention, pursuing your passion and making a difference.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.