peopleatthehouse
Andrew Young: An Evening with an Icon AMBASSADOR ANDREW YOUNG sat down with Anthony Pinder ’85, executive director of the Andrew Young Center for International Affairs, for a fireside chat on Nov. 9. With a packed house in the Leadership Center’s Bank of America Auditorium, Young spoke on a plethora of subjects, ranging from the civil rights movement to the hip-hop generation. He recounted a run-in with hardcore racists that led to a moment of clarity on the ideal of nonviolence. During a confrontation with what he describes as hundreds of white supremacists, Young’s first wife, Jean, refused to brandish a shotgun, even though her family was threatened. Young described her as “a good shot,” but she reminded him to practice what he preached. “I studied theologians who advocated negotiation from a position of strength,” Young said. “But (Jean said), ‘You’re preaching God and resurrection – it’s got to apply to you.’” Young would later join other civil and
Ambassador Andrew Young (right) is encircled by students after his presentation.
human rights advocates, including Martin Luther King Jr.’48,in spreading the message of equality.He recalled the singular turning point in the civil rights movement: Birmingham, Ala. It was there that, after a month of daily demonstrations and 300 people in jail, black business leaders and clergy asked King and his
Former President of Ghana Visits Morehouse HIS EXCELLENCY JERRY J. RAWLINGS, the former president of Ghana, visited Morehouse in December 2006 as a part of the College’s relationship between Morehouse and the African Presidential Archives and Research Center program at Boston University. The program provides opportunities for students to meet with heads of African states to discuss leadership and global issues. During various speaking engagements on campus, Rawlings spoke of the role of the United States in foreign affairs, including those in Africa. “Sixty percent of the good or bad that happens on our continent is related to Jerry J. Rawlings, former president of Ghana the policies of your country,” he said. ■ and his wife, Nana Konado Agyeman.
supporters to call off the movement. “(Martin) said, ‘I cannot leave here with these people in jail,’” Young said. King, with 55 supporters in tow, proceeded to the jail and was arrested. From there, the famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was written. Young said that letter defined the civil rights struggle and spread the message across the country. Four decades letter, Young was instrumental in bringing the original copy of the famed letter, as well as countless other handwritten speeches, sermon and notes of King, to the College. The 10,000piece collection, which was scheduled to be auctioned in June 2006, was purchased through the efforts of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, under Young’s counsel, and a group of investors. Young hopes the newly christened Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection will allow future generations to learn about King, the man, who he said was laid back and cool. “I hope we will study Martin as a person and realize that he wasn’t different than the rest of us,” he said. ■ S U M M E R
2 0 0 7
17
MOREHOUSE MAGAZINE