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FORD HONORS
GORDON PARKS
Ford is sponsoring a celebration of the life of world renowned
photographer, filmmaker, poet and musician Gordon Parks. The
exhibit, "Half Past Autumn," is currently in the midst of a IS venue
national tour and features a compilation of more than 200 pho
tographs, documentaries and action films, including the popular
movie, "Shaft", books, volumes of poetry, ballets, sonatas and con
certos. Parks, 86, was the first African-American photographer for
Life magazine and is best known for using his camera as a "weapon
against poverty and racism." The exhibit will tour through December
of 2002.
MITSUBISHI RECOGNIZES
DEDICATED WOMEN
This year's Second Annual I nsung Heroines Awards, co-spon
sored by Mitsubishi and BBS's To The Contrary, honored five
women who offered their minds and hearts to help the less fortu
nate. Whether spending time with mentally ill and handicapped per
sons. or helping start and run a non-profit organization benefiting
the Los Angeles community, each of the awardees dedicated her
own unique talents and skills to making a difference.
Helen Bumbry and Earlene Mosby were among the women hon
ored at the luncheon awards ceremony. In 1980 Bumbry and
Mosby founded the Girls Club Chapter in Quincy. 111. giving African-
American girls in their community a chance to beat the odds and
make positive strides in their lives. Other honorees: Ruby Bryant ol
the Mustard Seed residential home. Jackson, Miss.; Rev. Dorothy
Moore, founder of the Reconciliation Outreach Ministries. East
Dallas, Texas; and Beverly Davis of the Black Women's Forum. Los
Angeles. Calif. Mitsubishi honored each with a $5000 grant to help
further the advancement of their individual causes.
FORD FREEDOM AWARD
Ford and die Charles II Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit
formed a joint sponsorship to create the "Ford Freedom Award,
an annual event celebrating past African-American heroes and heroines.
"I nderstanding is a kev to shaping the future." said Gary Nielson, vice president
and executive director of the Ford Motor Company Fund. Ford is honored to sup
port the Charles II. Wright Museum of African American History in its efforts to pre
serve the past and strengthen the future through its exhibitions and educational
programs. The Ford Freedom Award will help distinguish individuals who have
touched our community." The first recipient of the Ford Freedom Award was for
mer Detroit Mavor Coleman A. Voting. Young was chosen for his lifetime of
achievements in politics, and civil and human rights. Ambassador Andrew Young,
former mayor of Atlanta, was also recognized as the first Ford Freedom Scholar for
Coleman A. Young
his outstanding work in national and international politics.
Andrete Voting
LEGISLATION ENACTED TO REFORM
OUT-DATED AUTO INSURANCE POLICY
Auto insurance policy holders have something to smile about. The Auto Choice Reform Act of 1997 is currently under debate among
prominent senatorTrepresentatives. lawyers, educators and business executives. The new measure will give motonsls the option of choos
ing from two tvpes of auto coverage: one similar to their present one (which carries high premiums and fails to fully compensate senous
Injuries) or onethat provides a new personal protection insurance ( PP1) option. This new option could annually reduce insurance bills bv
$184 for each vehicle. A combined nationwide total of $35 billion a year will be saved.
Specifically this legislation will be instrumental for urban drivers and low-income families who spend a higher percentage o theirmc
on insurance premiums compared with wealthy families living in the suburbs. For more information, contact them at 03-660-0 N.
Compiled by Stacey R Green. Shonda Hurt and Kimatni Rawlins
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AFRICAN AMERICANS ON WHEELS
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