The Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award Dinner

Home , Arnold Aronson, Benjamin Hooks, Dorothy Height, Karen Narasaki, Lilly Ledbetter, Marcia Greenberger

Senator Karen K. Gara Harry Patrick Leahy Narasaki LaMarche Belafonte

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights: Celebrating 60 Years of Promoting Equality

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award

The Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award is presented to those who best exemplify “selfless and devoted service in the cause of equality.”

Hubert Humphrey’s deep commitment and dedication to social justice are legendary. He devoted his life to public service in the cause of equality. Elected mayor of Minneapolis in 1945, he quickly ascended to the national political scene. Addressing racial discrimination and anti-Semitism in Minneapolis in 1948, he was responsible for the city enacting the nation’s first municipal fair employment legislation. That same year, amid fierce debate on the direction of civil rights, he delivered a fiery speech at the Democratic National Convention and spurred the Democratic Party to add a civil rights plank to their platform. From 1949-1964, he served from Minnesota as one of the nation’s most distinguished U.S. senators and was pivotal in the enactment of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, calling its passage “one of the landmarks of my life.” Elected vice president of the United States in 1964, Hubert Humphrey continued his selfless advocacy for equality in a free, plural and democratic society. In 1971, Humphrey resumed his senatorial career. In 1974, he introduced the ambitious Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment and National Growth bill, the first attempt at full employment legislation, which eventually passed after his death in 1978. This final legislative achievement stood as a symbol of Humphrey’s undying commitment to “the humanitarian goals of the New Deal.”

As a testament to his exemplary leadership on civil and human rights, the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award was established by The Leadership Conference in 1977. His words still echo in our continuing fight to advance equality, and the Humphrey Award is the civil and human rights community’s highest honor.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award is presented to those who best exemplify “selfless and devoted service in the cause of equality.”

1 The Leadership Conference is proud to present the 2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award Recipients

Senator Karen K. Gara Harry Patrick Leahy Narasaki LaMarche Belafonte

Honorary Chair Dr. Dorothy I. Height Chair, The Leadership Conference Chair and President Emerita, National Council of Negro Women

Dinner Chairs Kathryn C. Brown Senior Vice President, Public Policy Development and Corporate Responsibility Verizon

Richard L. Trumka President AFL-CIO

Tonight’s Emcees Maria Echaveste Lecturer in Residence, Boalt Hall University of California-Berkeley Cofounder and Partner NVG, LLC

Maureen Bunyan News Anchor WJLA-TV, ABC 7

2 Dorothy I. Height

Dear Colleagues and Friends:

It is with a heavy heart at what we have lost and a joyous spirit at what we were blessed to share for so many years that I mourn the passing of our chair, Dr. Dorothy I. Height. For the past seven decades, her work and her wisdom have enriched and ennobled the civil and human rights movement and our nation.

Grand Dame of the Civil Rights Movement, Founding Mother, Queen of the Civil Rights Movement – all titles she deserved, but none big enough Dr. Dorothy I. Height to encapsulate the contributions she made to the movement. Dr. Height 1912-2010 was an extraordinary leader, a gifted organizer, a trusted adviser, and a shrewd strategist from the Great Depression of the 1930s to the 21st century America that she did so much to build.

She came along at a time when women were not accepted as leaders in the civil rights movement. She was the woman who should have, but didn’t, speak at the 1963 March on Washington. She helped to set a place at the civil rights table for an expansion of the rights frame to include both gender and race in moving forward. A leading architect of the new America shaped by the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, her life’s story is intertwined with the most significant moments of the modern civil rights movement.

I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Height for more than 20 years. Her moral compass, her political instincts, and, yes, her fashion sense were unique and indispensable. She was active in our work right up until it was just physically impossible for her to do so, most recently, serving as honorary co-chair of our campaign to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

We are united this evening at the largest gathering of the civil and human rights community – The Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award Dinner. As we reflect on battles won and the work that lies ahead, Dr. Height’s legacy will serve as a beacon of justice, a staunch torch, guiding the civil and human rights community with a strong, clear, unwavering purpose.

Sincerely, Wade Henderson President and CEO, The Leadership Conference

3 Welcome

Welcome to The Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award This is Dinner. I am proud to again represent Verizon as a co-chair of this only a wonderful event. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Leadership Conference, screen we also celebrate and remember the life of Dr. Dorothy Height. We capture will miss her at this great event that she loved so much; we will miss her wisdom, grace, and courage. Dr. Height was a fearless leader who made our nation a better place.

Kathryn C. Brown We are proud to partner with The Leadership Conference to keep her legacy alive, working together to improve the lives of all of our citizens.

Congratulations to The Leadership Conference on the name change. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights formally honors the organization’s 60 years of excellence and dedication to civil and human rights. We are pleased to continue to collaborate with The Leadership Conference on projects that use our enabling technologies to serve the civil and human rights community.

What better way to celebrate the new name than with four honorees that exemplify work in both areas. Senator Patrick Leahy, Karen Narasaki, Gara LaMarche, and Harry Belafonte have all been in the forefront of using human and civil rights to create societies that treat all persons with equal worth.

Please join me in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Height as we honor four individuals who reflect her commitment to advancing civil rights and human rights.

Kathryn C. Brown Co-Chair

Senior Vice President, Public Policy Development and Corporate Responsibility Verizon

4 In 1961, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood before the AFL-CIO Convention and declared, “Our needs are identical with labor’s needs: decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community.”

He was absolutely right – and his message is truer today than ever. The needs of people of color and women and the needs of the union movement are one. Our moral principles are certainly the same.

Richard L. Trumka That’s why we in the AFL-CIO are proud to be part of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. And that’s why it’s a personal pleasure for me to welcome you tonight.

This year’s dinner is special for two reasons:

First, we’re remembering the life of The Leadership Conference’s chair for many years, Dr. Dorothy Height. What a remarkable life she led! Few in our nation’s history have combined her passion for justice, her courage and her great personal dignity and integrity.

Dr. Height not only taught us how to struggle, she taught us how to live.

This evening is also special because we’re celebrating The Leadership Conference’s 60th Anniversary.

Its beginnings were modest. At first, it was housed in a desk drawer and filing cabinet in New York. But as it has grown, this extraordinary coalition has helped pass just about every law that’s changed America for the better.

As long as Americans dream of equality and fairness, The Leadership Conference will help make their dreams come true – and I promise that we in the AFL-CIO will always stand alongside you.

Richard L.Trumka Co-Chair

President AFL-CIO

5 The Honorees

Senator Patrick Leahy has served in the U.S. Senate since 1974 and has a long record of advocacy for social and economic justice. On a wide range of issues, including education, criminal justice, jobs, workers’ rights, environmental justice, hate crimes, civil liberties and a fair and independent judiciary, Senator Leahy’s efforts have mirrored the values and mission that lie at the heart of The Leadership Conference. His efforts to create the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law have led to increased Congressional activity around the advancement and enforcement of our nation’s human rights commitments. Senator Patrick Leahy

Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), is a principal advocate for the rights and interests of Asian Americans and a leading voice for equality and equal justice for all. As vice chair of The Leadership Conference and chair of the coalition’s Compliance and Enforcement Committee, she oversees The Leadership Conference task forces and has played a leading role in national and international discussions regarding the convergence of civil and human rights issues. A tireless advocate for commonsense immigration reform, voting rights and equal opportunity, she is held in the highest regard throughout the Karen K. Narasaki philanthropic and social justice communities.

6 Gara LaMarche, president and CEO of The Atlantic Philanthropies, is widely recognized for charting a course for the philanthropic community that addresses social and economic justice here in the U.S. and throughout the world. As vice president and director of U.S. Programs at the Open Society Institute, his groundbreaking efforts championed a new model of philanthropy in bridging the conversation on civil rights protections and human rights. He has been a steadfast proponent of racial equity in society at large and within the corridors of the social justice community. His vision for organizational structure has assisted the nonprofit community in Gara LaMarche building systems that can ensure progress in advancing equality.

Harry Belafonte is as well-known for his pursuit of social justice as he is for his artistic talent. His initiatives in overturning racial barriers throughout society are highly acclaimed. He served as a confidant to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., helped to organize the March on Washington in 1963, raised funds to free imprisoned civil rights protesters, and has been a powerful voice for voting rights. The driving force behind the 1985 “We Are the World” project, Mr. Belafonte was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1987. He was an outspoken opponent of apartheid and is known for his longstanding advocacy for the people of Haiti. He remains a relentless champion of human rights Harry Belafonte efforts in the U.S. and throughout the world.

7 Tonight’s Presenters

Representative John Lewis, D. Ga., “the conscience of the U.S. Congress,” has dedicated his life to protecting human rights and securing civil liberties. In 1963, Lewis was named chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and was an architect of and a keynote speaker at the historic March on Washington.

In 1965, Lewis led more than 600 peaceful protestors in a march for voting rights across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The marchers were attacked by Alabama state troopers in a brutal confrontation that became known as “Bloody Sunday.” Media coverage The Honorable revealing the senseless cruelty of the segregated South helped hasten John Lewis the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Humphrey Honoree, 2003 Elected to Congress in 1986, he is senior chief deputy whip for the Democratic Party in the House, a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, and chairman of its Subcommittee on Oversight. Rep. Lewis is the recipient of the only John F. Kennedy “Profile in Courage Award” for Lifetime Achievement ever granted by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

Co-founder of NVG, LLC, a Washington, D.C., consulting group, Maria Echaveste provides strategic and policy advice to a variety of corporate, nonprofit, and union clients. She served as an official with the Department of Labor and as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff to President Clinton, managing education, civil rights, and immigration initiatives, as well as other domestic and foreign issues. She is a senior fellow with the Berkeley School of Law’s Warren Institute on Race, Ethnicity and Diversity, a non-resident fellow of the Center for American Progress, and a frequent media commentator on politics and national policy. Maria Echaveste Ms. Echaveste is a member of the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee and sits on the boards of the American Prospect, Demos, the Alliance for Excellent Education, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and CARE.

In addition to sharing tonight’s emcee duties, Maria is pleased to present the Humphrey Award to honoree Karen Narasaki. It was the intention of the late Dr. Dorothy Height to extend this honor to Karen. Ms. Echaveste is honored to step in and present the award to Ms. Narasaki, whom was held in high regard by Dr. Height.

8 Barry Rand is the CEO of AARP, a membership organization working to enhance the quality of life for all as we age.

Mr. Rand began his career at Xerox in 1968 and worked his way up to executive vice president world wide operations. During his 31 years at Xerox, he helped it become the most diverse company in the Fortune 500. As these efforts gained recognition throughout corporate America, he was asked to serve on a committee that would eventually become the Executive Leadership Council, the nation’s preeminent organization that recognizes the strengths, Barry Rand success, contributions, and impact of African-American corporate business leaders.

He currently serves as chairman of the Board of Howard University and has served as chairman and chief executive officer of Avis Group Holdings and Equitant Ltd.

Representative John Conyers, Jr., D. Mich., entered the House of Representatives in 1965, and is the second most senior member. One of the 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Conyers is considered the dean of the group.

In 2006, Rep. Conyers was elected by his congressional colleagues to serve as chairman to the pivotal House Committee on the Judiciary. As chairman, Rep. Conyers has introduced and endorsed legislation to advance civil liberties, ensure equal protection and access to the voting booth, and combat violence against women. Serving over The Honorable 40 years in Congress, some of his major accomplishments include: John Conyers, Jr. the Martin Luther King Holiday Act of 1983, the Motor Voter Bill of Humphrey Honoree, 2008 1993, Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

Rep. Conyers is the recipient of many awards for leadership, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Award, which was presented to him by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

9 Tonight’s Program

Welcome and Introduction of the Dais Menu Maria Echaveste Salad: Dinner Co-Chairs’ Video Welcome Romaine Hearts, Radicchio, Arugula Salad Kathryn C. Brown Basil, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Richard L. Trumka Toasted Pine Nuts, Kalamata Olives, Prosciutto Crisps & Roasted Peppers, National Anthem Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Paul Heflin, Vocalist Served with a warm Parmesan Tart

Presentation of The 2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Awards Entree: Senator Patrick Leahy Roasted Sliced Tenderloin of Beef, Presented by The Honorable John Lewis Smoked Paprika Sauce paired with Chairman, Subcommittee of Oversight, Roasted Halibut House Committee on Ways and Means Chipotle Apricot Relish Caramelized Onion Gnocchi, Baby Vegetables Karen K. Narasaki Assorted Rolls and Butter Presented by Maria Echaveste Cofounder and Partner, NVG, LLC Dessert: Trio Dessert Invocation Amaretto Truffle, Green Tea Crème Brulee Rabbi Lynne F. Landsberg and Mango Mousse Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Freshly Brewed Coffee Dinner Regular and Decaffeinated Assorted Teas including Herbal with After-Dinner Program Lemon Wedges Maureen Bunyan

Presentation of The 2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Awards Gara LaMarche Presented by Barry Rand CEO, AARP

Harry Belafonte Presented by The Honorable John Conyers, Jr. Chairman, House Judiciary Committee

President’s Remarks Wade Henderson

Closing

10 21Past point Award Headline Recipients

2009 1999 1988 Sheila Bair Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis Ellen Goodman Van Jones Governor Gary Locke The Honorable Edward M. Kennedy Jeannie VanVelkinburgh 2008 1987 The Honorable John Conyers, Jr. 1998 Herbert L. Block Patricia Rouse Debbie Allen James Farmer Soledad O’Brien The Honorable Bob Lanier Wiley Branton Steven Spielberg 2007 1986 The Honorable William J. Clinton 1997 Dr. Mary Frances Berry John Hope Franklin Tipper Gore The Honorable Charles L. Tammy Duckworth Dolores Huerta Mathias, Jr. The Honorable Parren Mitchell 2006 1996 The Film “Crash” Myrlie Evers-Williams 1985 Monica Lozano The Honorable Kweisi Mfume Arnold Aronson The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta Marian Wright Edelman 2005 J.C. Turner Julian Bond 1995 Willie Velasquez The Honorable Tom Daschle Ralph G. Neas, Jr. Ginny Thornburgh 1984 1994 Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. 2004 The Honorable Henry Cisneros Tom Joyner The Honorable Hamilton Fish, Jr. 1983 Gerald McEntee Elaine R. Jones Douglas Fraser The Honorable Connie Morella Rosina Tucker 1993 2003 Justin Dart. Jr. 1982 The Honorable John Lewis Dr. Dorothy I. Height The Honorable Don Edwards Northwestern University’s Medill Raul Yzaguirre Arthur S. Flemming Innocence Project, The Center 1992 1981 on Wrongful Convictions Benjamin L. Hooks AFL-CIO Sesame Workshop Patrisha A. Wright Lane Kirland 2002 Kenneth Young 1980 Danny Glover 1991 George Meany Elizabeth Birch William T. Coleman, Jr. Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. David Saperstein Antonia Hernandez 1979 2001 Dick Warden Andrew Biemiller Maya Lin 1990 Rev. Msgr. George Higgins Franklin D. Raines The Honorable Augustus William L. Taylor 1978 Hawkins The Honorable Edward W. Brooke 2000 1989 The Honorable Peter Rodino Vernon E. Jordan Jr. The Honorable Barbara Jordan Judith L. Lichtman 1977 The Honorable Lowell P. Wilma Mankiller The Honorable Philip Hart Weicker, Jr. Edward James Olmos John J. Sweeney

11 Tonight’s Emcee

Maureen Bunyan is a devoted friend of The Leadership Conference, giving generously of her time and talent to advance the cause of equality. For more than a decade, Ms. Bunyan has been the mistress of ceremonies for the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award Dinner.

Named a “Washingtonian of the Year” in 1992, Ms. Bunyan has an extensive record of service to the community. She is a founder and board member of the International Women’s Media Foundation, which serves women in the media in 100 countries. She is a founder Maureen Bunyan of the National Association of Black Journalists. She also serves on the National Advisory Board of the Casey Journalism Center on Children & Families; the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital Women’s Advisory Board, the Advisory Committee of Women in Film & Video and is a board member of Women of Washington.

In recognition of her significant contributions to broadcasting for over 30 years, Ms. Bunyan has been inducted into the “Hall of Fame” of the Washington Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, “The Silver Circle” of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and the Broadcast Pioneers Club of Washington. She has been awarded seven local Emmys, and the “Ted Yates Award,” given by NATAS to Washington, DC news broadcasters who are leaders in the profession. She was named “Journalist of the Year” by the National Association of Black Journalists. Born in Aruba of Guyanese descent, she received the annual “Immigrant Achievement Award” from the American Immigration Law Foundation in 2002.

Ms. Bunyan attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Columbia University School of Journalism and holds a Master’s Degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

Ms. Bunyan is a veteran television news broadcaster and a primary anchor for ABC 7. She anchors the 6 p.m. weeknight newscasts here in Washington, D.C.

12 In Appreciation

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights gratefully acknowledges the special contributions and generous support of all who contributed to the 2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award Dinner. Our special thanks to Dr. Dorothy I. Height, Kathryn C. Brown, and Richard L. Trumka for their leadership as chairs, our program benefactors, and the dinner committee. You have made this evening possible.

Honorary Chair Dinner Committee Gerald McEntee Dr. Dorothy I. Height Chair AFSCME Chair, Ricardo Byrd The Leadership Conference National Association of Janet Murguia on Civil and Human Rights Neighborhoods National Council of La Raza Chair & President Emerita, National Council of Arlene Holt Baker John Relman Negro Women AFL-CIO Relman, Dane & Colfax

Dinner Chairs Alan Davidson Faith Schwartz Kathryn C. Brown Google, Inc. HOPE NOW Verizon Tracy Fredericks Hilary Shelton Richard Trumka Prudential Financial NAACP AFL-CIO Emilio Gonzales Joe Solmonese Program Benefactors Verizon Human Rights Campaign Thomas Chabolla SEIU Kerrick Henny Frank Torres AT&T Microsoft Fred Humphries Microsoft James P. Hoffa Joyce Tucker International Brotherhood of The Boeing Company Barry Rand Teamsters AARP John Yarowsky Ingrid Saunders-Jones Patton Boggs Ken Sternad The Coca-Cola Foundation UPS Ivan Zapien Fernando Laguarda Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Randi Weingarten Time Warner Cable American Federation of Teachers Ed Martinez UPS

13 21In Appreciationpoint Headline continued

Executives Sponsors Special Friends Bank of America Avalon Consulting Group, Inc. Airport Minority Advisory Council Brunswick Group LLC Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP American Rights At Work Cherokee Nation Beveridge Seay, Inc Best Buy Edison Electric Institute Communications Workers Center for Community Change National Education Association of America Communications Consortium Open Society Policy Center FDIC Media Center Pacific Gas & Electric Company Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Yoshiko Dart Saxon Rights Under Law Epilepsy Foundation of America United Food and Commercial Mayer Brown Jenner & Block LLP Workers Int’l Union McKinney & Associates OCWEN Financial Corporation The Mellman Group Paralyzed Veterans of America Patrons National Gay & Lesbian PEPCO Holdings, Inc Alaska Federation of Natives Task Force American Association for Justice National Urban League Supporters ACLU NVG, LLC Advancement Project Center for Responsible Lending Office of Hawaiian Affairs Anti-Defamation League Comcast Corporation The Raben Group Association of American Integrated Solutions Group Spitfire Strategies Medical Colleges International Association of DC Vote Change to Win Official Human Rights United Church of Christ Justice Concourse Concessions, Inc. Agencies and Witness Ministries Judith Hopkinson International Brotherhood of NAACP Legal Defense and Electrical Workers Educational Fund International Union, UAW National Association of Mehri & Skalet, PLLC Community Health Centers Mortgage Bankers Association National Coalition on Black of America Civic Participation NAACP National Congress of National Association of Realtors American Indians National Cable and National Fair Housing Alliance Telecommunications National Partnership for Association Women & Families Pharmaceutical Research & Press Express, Inc. Manufacturers of America Nancy and Harold Zirkin Planned Parenthood Federation of America ServiceMaster U.S. Department of Agriculture Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

14 21Special point Thanks Headline

A Vista Events Paul Heflin Margo Mandes Stage Fabrication Vocalist Hilton Washington Senior Catering Manager Beveridge Seay, Inc. Hilton Washington Graphic Design Door Prize Contributor The Monocle Restaurant Door Prize Contributor Kathy Downey IEP Production Hands-on Fundraising Off-Stage Announcer and Morton’s The Steakhouse Audio Visual Door Prize Contributor Sharon Farmer Photography Marty Kreiss Hilary Shelton Linemark Printing, Invitations, Video Commentary Kathy Fletcher Signs and Program Book Registration and Seating George Dalton Tolbert David Kusnet Photography Stew Harris Editorial Assistance New Media Mill, Dinner Videos Davey Yarborough Quartet Michele Kreiss Reception Entertainment Marcellus L. Hartsfield and Event Production Coordinator Brenda Barnes Interpreters Rabbi Lynne F. Landsberg Invocation

“Equal justice under the law and equal opportunity for all persons to develop themselves – that is what we seek.” - Hubert H. Humphrey

15 21TheTh epoint LeadershipLead Headlineership ConferenceConference Activities

60 Years of Service in the Cause of Equality

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States.

For more than half a century, The Leadership Conference has led the fight for civil and human rights in Washington, D.C. While many courageously marched in the streets, sat-in at lunch counters, and refused to ride in the back of the bus, The Leadership Conference worked to pass landmark federal legislation to protect the civil and human rights of all Americans.

This critical work led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the Civil Rights Act of 1960, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. These laws transformed the nation, outlawing discrimination in nearly every facet of American life and making our country more fair and equitable for all Americans.

The nation’s foremost civil and human rights coalition, The Leadership Conference consists of more than 200 national organizations.

Over time, The Leadership Conference has grown in scope, membership, and influence. The coalition’s achievements include the expansion of federal civil rights protections (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd,

16 21 point Headline

Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act) and the restoration of core civil rights laws (the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008).

The Leadership Conference was founded in 1950 to be the legislative arm of the civil rights movement, and our work continues today. By meeting the new challenges of the 21st century head on – guaranteeing a high-quality education for all children, reforming our criminal justice system, and ensuring economic opportunity and justice for all workers, native born and immigrants – nurturing and empowering new generations that join the fight, and developing new strategies and tactics, we honor and reaffirm the visionary leadership of our founders – A. Philip Randolph, head of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; Roy Wilkins of the NAACP; and Arnold Aronson, a leader of the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council – who inspired us all to make an America that’s as good as its ideals.

17 21The point Leadership Headline Conference Compliance and Enforcement Committee

Karen K. Narasaki, Chair Employment Judicial Appointments Asian American Justice Center Debra Ness Marcia Greenberger National Partnership for Women National Women’s Law Center CEDAW & Families Marcia Greenberger Michael B. Keegan National Women’s Law Center Audrey Wiggins People For the American Way Lawyers’ Committee for Lorraine Cole Civil Rights Under Law Media/Telecommunications YWCA USA Cheryl Leanza Fair Housing United Church of Christ Laura Murphy Leslie Proll ACLU NAACP Legal Defense & Chris Calabrese Education Fund, Inc. ACLU Don Kraus Citizens for Global Solutions Shanna Smith Voting Rights National Fair Housing Alliance Kristen Clarke Census NAACP Legal Defense & Terry Ao Hate Crimes Education Fund, Inc. Asian American Justice Center Michael Lieberman Anti-Defamation League Jon Greenbaum Arturo Vargas Lawyers’ Committee for NALEO Educational Fund David Stacy Civil Rights under Law Human Rights Campaign Criminal Justice U.S. Commission on Civil Jennifer Bellamy Health Care Rights ACLU Debra Ness Margaret Huang National Partnership for Women Rights Working Group Hilary O. Shelton & Families NAACP Deborah J.Vagins Emily Spitzer ACLU Economic Security National Health Law Program Joan Entmacher (NHeLP) National Women’s Law Center Immigration and Immigrant Deepak Bhargava Rights Center for Community Change Karen K. Narasaki Asian American Justice Center Education Raul Gonzalez Matt Finucane National Council of La Raza National Education Association

Fatima Goss Graves International Human Rights National Women’s Law Center Elisa Massimino Human Rights First

18 The Education Fund

The Leadership Conference Education Fund builds public will for federal policies that promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. The Education Fund’s campaigns empower and mobilize advocates around the country to push for progressive change in the United States.

Although our work remains as challenging and rewarding as ever, the ground has never been more fertile for advancing the cause of civil and human rights in the United States. The Education Fund is rising to the challenges -- and opportunities – of The Education Fund social justice work demanded by a more diverse Board of Directors 21st century America. As part of a commitment to William Robinson meet Americans where they are, The Education Interim Chair Fund is increasing its work outside of Washington, D.C., to connect community concerns to federal Muriel Morisey policy. Vice Chair The Education Fund was founded in 1969 to be the Carolyn Osolinik education and research arm of The Leadership Treasurer Conference on Civil and Human Rights and was originally incorporated as the Civil Rights Mary Frances Berry Leadership Conference Fund. It documented the John Podesta extent of discrimination in the United States and Marilyn Sneiderman monitored the federal government’s civil rights William Taylor enforcement efforts. Frank Wu From the beginning, The Education Fund has President and CEO been guided by the principle that an educated and Wade Henderson informed public is more likely to support effective federal civil rights and social justice policies. Executive Vice President and COO And now, 40 years later, we are adapting to new Karen McGill Lawson challenges, refining our messages and approaches, and seizing new opportunities to build the public will for national policies that will create a more open and just society.

19 Pointing the Way Forward

The Legacy of Civil and Human Rights Leaders

As we work to advance civil and human rights for all people in the United States, The Leadership Conference tonight honors the legacy of four dearly departed civil rights champions who, like our beloved chair Dr. Dorothy I. Height, left an indelible mark on our movement. Their lives and their work ennobled our cause and set a standard that will continue to guide us as we navigate the challenges ahead in building an America as good as its ideals.

Dr. Benjamin Hooks (January 31, 1925 – April 15, 2010) As a soldier in World War II, Benjamin Hooks guarded European prisoners of war who were served at restaurants that turned him away. After the war, he crammed a half dozen careers into his remarkably productive life – attorney, minister, restaurateur, television producer, and the first African American to serve as a judge in Tennessee and as a member of the Federal Communications Commission. But his life’s calling was to serve as civil rights leader during an era of retrenchment. As executive director of the NAACP (1977-1992) and chair of The Leadership Conference (1979-1994), Dr. Benjamin Hooks he was instrumental in enacting the Civil Rights Restoration Act, the Humphrey Honoree,1992 Fair Housing Amendments Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Martin Luther King national holiday. In his valedictory to the NAACP Centennial Convention in 2009, he declared: “Fight on until justice, righteousness, hope, equality and opportunity is the birthright of all Americans.”

Senator Edward M. Kennedy (February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009) For every American who yearned for simple justice, Edward M. Kennedy was their voice, their vote, and their visionary in the U.S. Senate. As the field general in the fight for civil rights, Senator Kennedy was instrumental in the passage of every significant civil and human rights law during his almost half-century of service. He was a skilled strategist, an eloquent advocate for the rights of all people, and a master legislator who never let partisanship keep him from reaching across the aisle. We mourn his passing. But we rejoice in his prophesy: “The cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream will never die.” Sen. Edward M. Kennedy Humphrey Honoree, 1988

20 Wilma Mankiller (November 18,1945 – April 6, 2010) The first woman to lead the Cherokee Nation, Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller was one of our nation’s greatest unsung heroes for the causes of civil rights, women’s rights, and the rights of all humanity. An author, professor, and tireless advocate for the unmet needs and inherent dignity of the Cherokees, she served as an inspiration to Native Americans and women and girls everywhere. Upon her death, her ashes were scattered on the land she loved in Mankiller Flats, in rural Oklahoma. But her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. Wilma Mankiller Humphrey Honoree, 2000

Senator Charles Mathias, Jr. (July 24, 1922 – January 25, 2010) Called “the conscience of the Senate” by a Democratic leader, Senator Mathias was a progressive Republican in the tradition of Edward Brooke and Jacob Javits. A fierce and unwavering champion of civil and human rights, he time and again chose to do what was right, not what was politically expedient. Throughout his tenure, “Mac” Mathias supported strong anti-discrimination and fair housing laws, improvements in public education, programs against poverty, and full voting representation for residents of our nation’s capital – often over the adamant objections of many in his own party. He Sen. Charles Mathias, Jr. will be remembered as a model of what a senator should be – a Humphrey Honoree, 1986 statesman focused on the next generation, not the next election.

21 The Convention on the Eliminaton of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Because Women’s Rights are Human Rights

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is a landmark international agreement that affirms principles of fundamental human rights and equality for women around the world.

It offers countries a practical blueprint to promote basic rights and expand opportunities for women and girls in all areas of society. Around the world, CEDAW has been used to ensure primary Dr. Dorothy I. Height education for girls, improve health care services, pass laws against Honorary Chair of domestic violence, and address human trafficking. The Leadership Conference Campaign to Ratify CEDAW The United States is one of only seven countries – including Iran, Sudan and Somalia and three Pacific Island states – that has not ratified CEDAW. CEDAW, along with Convention on the Rights of Per- sons with Disabilities (CRPD), are the only two human rights treaties designated by the Obama administration as priorities for ratification.

That is why The Leadership Conference is spearheading the campaign to ratify CEDAW and actively supporting the effort to ratify the CRPD. Ratification of CEDAW would strengthen U.S. leadership as a global voice for advancing women’s rights and would provide an opportunity for national dialogue on how to address persistent gaps in women’s full equality here in the United States.

As noted by Dr. Dorothy Height at the first meeting of The Leadership Conference’s new CEDAW Task Force, “Ratification of CEDAW is unfinished business of the civil rights movement.”

22 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Because Disability Rights Are Human Rights

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an international agreement that protects and promotes the rights of people with disabilities, was signed by President Obama in July of 2009. This Convention, which has been signed by 144 countries and ratified by 85 countries, will soon undergo a Senate process for ratification.

The Leadership Conference is working with the American Association of People with Disabilities, the U.S. International Council on Disabili- Dick Thornburgh ties, and others to secure Senate ratification of this critical treaty for Of Counsel the more than 600 million children and adults with disabilities around K&L Gates LLP the world.

In the words of Dick Thornburgh, former governor of Pennsylvania, former U.S. attorney general, and former U.S. Representative to the United Nations:

“The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities repre- sents important principles that my fellow Americans hold dear – basic recognition and equal protection of every person under the law, non- discrimination, the fundamental importance of independent living, and the right to make basic choices about our lives.

We pioneered these basic principles under American law. We in the United States are demonstrating that people with disabilities can par- ticipate fully in our democracy. We are demonstrating that society, as a whole, is richer and better off when people with disabilities are included fully in every aspect of life.

Let me add that we in the United States fully intend to work to see that our nation lives up to its leadership role in recognizing these basic principles by signing and ratifying this convention.”

23 21ParticipatingMember point HeadlineOrganizations Organizations

A. Philip Randolph Institute Americans for Democratic Action Epilepsy Foundation of America AARP Amnesty International USA Episcopal Church-Public Affairs ACORN Anti-Defamation League Office ADA Watch Appleseed Equal Justice Society Advancement Project Asian American Justice Center Evangelical Lutheran Church in African Methodist Episcopal Asian Pacific American Labor America Church Alliance FairVote: The Center for Voting Alaska Federation of Natives Associated Actors and Artistes of and Democracy Alliance for Retired Americans America, AFL-CIO Families USA Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Association for Education and Federally Employed Women Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Rehabilitation of the Blind Feminist Majority American-Arab Anti- and Visually Impaired Friends Committee on National Discrimination Committee B’nai B’rith International Legislation American Association for Brennan Center for Justice at GLSEN – the Gay, Lesbian and Affirmative Action New York University School Straight Education Network American Association of People of Law Global Rights: Partners for with Disabilities Building & Construction Trades Justice American Association of Department, AFL-CIO GMP International Union University Women Catholic Charities, USA Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist American Baptist Churches, Center for Community Change Organization of America U.S.A.- National Ministries Center for Responsible Lending Hip Hop Caucus American Civil Liberties Union Center for Women Policy Studies Hotel and Restaurant Employees American Council of the Blind Children’s Defense Fund and Bartenders International American Ethical Union Church of the Brethren-World Union American Federation of Ministries Commission Human Rights Campaign Government Employees Church Women United Human Rights First American Federation of Labor- Citizens’ Commission on Civil Immigration Equality Congress of Industrial Rights Improved Benevolent & Organizations Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Protective Order of Elks of American Federation of State, Common Cause the World County & Municipal Communications Workers of International Association of Employees, AFL-CIO America Machinists and Aerospace American Federation of Community Action Partnership Workers Teachers, AFL-CIO Community Transportation International Association of American Friends Service Association of America Official Human Rights Committee DC Vote Agencies American Islamic Congress (IAC) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority International Brotherhood of American Jewish Committee DEMOS: A Network for Ideas Teamsters American Jewish Congress & Action International Union, United American Nurses Association Disability Rights Education and Automobile Workers of American Society for Public Defense Fund America Administration Division of Homeland Ministries- Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. American Speech-Language- Christian Church (Disciples of Japanese American Citizens Hearing Association Christ) League

24 21 point Headline

Jewish Community Centers National Association of Human National Consumer Law Center Association Rights Workers National Council of Catholic Jewish Council for Public Affairs National Association of Negro Women Jewish Labor Committee Business & Professional National Council of Churches of Jewish Women International Women’s Clubs, Inc. Christ in the U.S. Judge David L. Bazelon Center National Association of National Council of Jewish for Mental Health Law Neighborhoods Women Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity National Association of National Council of La Raza Labor Council for Latin American Protection and Advocacy National Council of Negro Advancement Systems Women Laborers’ International Union National Association of National Council on Independent of North America Social Workers Living Lambda Legal 9 to 5 National Association of National Education Association LatinoJustice PRLDEF Working Women National Employment Lawyers Lawyers’ Committee for National Bar Association Association Civil Rights Under Law National Black Caucus of State National Fair Housing Alliance League of Women Voters of Legislators National Farmers Union the United States National Black Justice Coalition National Federation of Filipino Legal Aid Society – Employment National CAPACD (National American Associations Law Center Coalition For Asian Pacific National Gay & Lesbian Task Legal Momentum American Community Force Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Development) National Health Law Program Nation National Center for Transgender National Immigration Law Center Matthew Shepard Foundation Equality National Institute For Mexican American Legal National Coalition for the Employment Equity Defense and Education Fund Homeless National Korean American Na’Amat USA National Coalition on Black Service and Education NAACP Legal Defense and Civic Participation Consortium, Inc. (NAKASEC) Educational Fund, Inc. National Coalition to Abolish the National Lawyers Guild NALEO Educational Fund Death Penalty National Legal Aid & Defender National Alliance of Postal & National Committee on Association Federal Employees Pay Equity National Low Income Housing National Association for Equal National Community Coalition Opportunity in Higher Reinvestment Coalition National Organization for Education National Conference of Black Women National Association for the Mayors, Inc. National Partnership for Advancement of Colored National Congress for Women & Families People (NAACP) Community Economic National Puerto Rican Coalition National Association of Colored Development National Sorority of Phi Delta Women’s Clubs, Inc. National Congress for Kappa, Inc. National Association of Puerto Rican Rights National Urban League Community Health Centers National Congress of American National Women’s Law Center National Association of Indians Consumer Advocates (NACA)

25 21 point Headline

National Women’s Political Southern Christian Leadership Workers Defense League Caucus Conference Workmen’s Circle Native American Rights Fund Southern Poverty Law Center YMCA of the USA, Newspaper Guild Teach For America National Board Office of Communications of the The Association of Junior YWCA of the USA, United Church of Christ, Inc. Leagues International, Inc. National Board Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The Association of University Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Open Society Policy Center Centers on Disabilities OCA (formerly known as The Justice Project Organization of Chinese The National Conference for Americans) Community and Justice Paralyzed Veterans of America The National PTA Parents, Families, Friends of Union for Reform Judaism Lesbians and Gays Unitarian Universalist Association People for the American Way UNITE HERE! Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. United Association of Journeymen Planned Parenthood Federation & Apprentices of the Plumbing of America, Inc. & Pipe Fitting Industry of the PolicyLink U.S. & Canada, AFL-CIO Poverty & Race Research Action United Brotherhood of Council (PRRAC) Carpenters and Joiners of Presbyterian Church (USA) America Pride at Work United Church of Christ-Justice Progressive National Baptist and Witness Ministries Convention United Farm Workers of Project Equality, Inc. America, AFL-CIO Project Vote United Food and Commercial Religious Action Center of Workers International Union Reform Judaism United Methodist Church- Retail Wholesale & Department General Board of Church & Store Union, AFL-CIO Society SAALT (South Asian Americans United Mine Workers of America Leading Together) United States Conference of Secular Coalition for America Catholic Bishops Service Employees United States Students International Union Association Servicemembers Legal Defense United Steelworkers of America Network United Synagogue of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Conservative Judaism Sikh American Legal Defense Women of Reform Judaism and Education Fund Women’s American ORT Southeast Asia Resource Action Women’s International League Center (SEARAC) for Peace and Freedom

26 21Leadership point Headline Conference Staff

Wade Henderson David J. Goldberg Rob Randhava President and CEO Senior Counsel and Senior Counsel The Leadership Conference Senior Policy Analyst on Civil and Human Rights Kelvin Ruffin The Leadership Conference Whitney Gusby Director for Education Fund Field Associate Information Technology

Karen McGill Lawson Catherine Han Montoya Erica Swanson Executive Vice President Senior Field Program Manager Deputy Director for and COO Field Operations Lisa M. Haywood Nancy Zirkin Membership Services Director William L. Taylor Executive Vice President for Senior Fellow Policy Charlotte Irving Bookkeeper Anjali Thakur-Mittal Ron Bigler Deputy Director for New Media Manager Brenda Isom Field Operations Human Resources Director Director for Americans for a Fair Chance Project Lisa Bornstein Senior Counsel Maggie Kao Press Secretary Jenna Wandres Multimedia Associate Ellen Buchman Vice President for Robyn Kurland Adam Waxman Field Operations Field Manager Manager for Individual and Online Giving Robert Chanin Tyler Lewis Senior Fellow and Advisor to Communications Manager Nakea West the Workers’ Rights Initiative Jeff Miller Manager for Special Gifts Jessica Cooke Vice President for Jhenealle Wilkins Policy Assistant Communications Census 2010 Campaign Administrative Assistant Connie Dennard Antoine Morris Bookkeeper Policy Associate and Researcher Corrine Yu Senior Counsel and Ed Fichter Sonal Patel Managing Policy Director Vice President for Development Field Associate

June Zeitlin Brenda Gilchrist Shanya Purushothaman Director, CEDAW Education Executive Assistant to the Manager for Foundation Project President and to the Executive and Corporate Contributions Vice President and COO Lexer Quamie Counsel

27 21Interns point 2009-2010 Headline

Fellows Rachel Eggleston Christian Motley Debra Cohen Dartmouth College Berea College University of Virginia Alexander Goldman Andrew Noakes Marcus-Alexander Neil Brandeis University University of Cambridge Oxford University Courtney Holbrook Beth Sadler Interns Syracuse University University of Georgia Dayo Adiatu Rutgers University Amshula Jayaram Cassandra Stabbert Georgetown University Emory University Lara Awad University of California-Davis Connie Lam Nicole Sweeney Dartmouth College George Washington University Jamal Chevis Michigan State University Adam Lange Jeffrey White Grinnell College Nebraska Wesleyan University Alexander Davis University of Kansas Lauren McGlothlin University of Michigan

28 21Executive point Headline Committee

Chair Benjamin T. Jealous Thomas A. Saenz Dr. Dorothy I. Height NAACP Mexican American Legal National Council of Negro Women Defense & Educational Fund Michael B. Keegan Vice Chairs People For the American Way David Saperstein Judith L. Lichtman Religious Action Center of National Partnership for Women S. Floyd Mori Reform Judaism & Families Japanese American Citizens League Shanna L. Smith Karen K. Narasaki National Fair Housing Alliance Asian American Justice Center Marc H. Morial National Urban League Joe Solmonese William L. Taylor Human Rights Campaign Citizens’ Commission on Janet Murguia Civil Rights National Council of La Raza Andrew L. Stern SEIU Treasurer Debra L. Ness Gerald W. McEntee National Partnership for Women Randi Weingarten AFSCME & Families American Federation of Teachers

Barbara Arnwine Terry O’Neill Mary G. Wilson Lawyers’ Comm. for Civil Rights National Organization for Women League of Women Voters of the Under Law United States Jacqueline Johnson Pata Arlene Holt Baker National Congress of Sara Najjar-Wilson AFL-CIO American Indians American-Arab Anti-Discrimina- tion Committee Ron Gettelfinger John Payton International Union, UAW NAACP Legal Defense & Compliance/Enforcement Educational Fund, Inc. Committee Chair Marcia D. Greenberger Karen K. Narasaki National Women’s Law Center Barry Rand Asian American Justice Center AARP Linda D. Hallman President & CEO American Association of Dennis Van Roekel Wade J. Henderson University Women National Education Association 1629 K Street, NW Andrew J. Imparato Anthony Romero 10th Floor American Assoc. of People American Civil Liberties Union Washington, D.C. 20006 with Disabilities 202.466.3311 www.civilrights.org

29 In21 Appreciationpoint Headline

The Leadership Conference Education Fund extends a warm thank you to …

UPS Falk Foundation For Sponsoring Tonight’s Education Fund Reception Fannie Mae Ford Foundation Google Fulfilling the Dream Fund/Public Interest Projects For Tonight’s Anniversry Gelato Bar Jewish Funds for Justice John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation AARP The Joyce Foundation For Donating Complimentary Copies of Marisla Foundation Spies of Mississippi by Rick Bowers Media Democracy Fund Morgan, Lewis and Bockius The Coca Cola Foundation The Moriah Fund For Donating Complimentary Copies of Child of the National Association of Broadcasters Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton National Association of Realtors National Cable Telecommunications Association We also wish to acknowledge, among our Open Society Institute many generous supporters, those who have Pacific Gas and Electric made especially significant contributions to The Philanthropic Collaborative The Leadership Conference Public Interest Projects Education Fund programs: Public Welfare Foundation Rockefeller Brothers Fund America’s Voice Rosenburg Foundation The Annie E. Casey Foundation Sandler Foundation The Atlantic Philanthropies Stewart R. Mott Charitable Trust The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Tides Foundation Carnegie Corporation of New York United Nations Foundation The Channel Foundation UPS Foundation Chocolate Chocolate Urgent Action Fund Connect US US Human Rights Fund/Public Interest Projects Comcast Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program Cora and John H. Davis Foundation Verizon Foundation Crosscurrents Foundation Wal-Mart Foundation Ms. Quinn Delaney and Mr. Wayne Jordan W.K. Kellogg Foundation Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP The Woodbury Fund

30 2160 pointYears Headlinein the Life of The Leadership Conference

The United States has changed dramatically in the six decades since the founding of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. From the passage of sweeping civil rights legislation in the 1960s through battles against retrogressive forces in the 1980s and 1990s; to the first viable woman presidential candidate and the election of the first African-American president in 2008, the nation has made significant progress in its ongoing struggle to live up to the promise of “liberty and justice for all.”

The Leadership Conference, the nation’s premier civil and human rights coalition, has been there every step of the way, playing an important role in pushing America forward at key moments in history – and warning America when she is veering off course. We celebrate the legacy of The Leadership Conference and its continuing work to make an America that is as good as its ideals.

1950s More than 4,200 civil rights leaders representing 58 national organizations converge on Washington for the National Emergency Civil Rights Mobilization, sparking the creation of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. Walter White of the NAACP served as chairman until 1955 and was replaced by Roy Wilkins of the NAACP.

Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the first federal civil rights law since Reconstruction. Civil Rights Act of 1957

1960s The Leadership Conference Education Fund is founded (as the Civil Rights Leadership Conference Fund) in 1969. Arnold Aronson is chair of the board. Marvin Caplan, on loan from the AFL-CIO, is the first director of The Leadership Conference.

President John F. Kennedy issues Executive Order 10925, instructing federal contractors to take “affirmative action” to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants. The Leadership Conference plays a key Roy Wilkins and Arnold Aronson role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the Fair Housing Act, establishing a robust framework of civil rights protections that transformed the nation.

1970s The Leadership Conference establishes the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award in 1974, and Dr. Benjamin Hooks, then-head of the NAACP, becomes chair of The Leadership Conference in 1979.

Congress passes Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Age Discrimination Hubert H. Humphrey Act of 1975.

31 21Celebrating point Headline 60 Years continued

1980s Ralph Neas becomes the first executive director of The Leadership Conference in 1981. Karen McGill Lawson becomes the deputy director of The Education Fund, its first full-time employee, in 1985.

The Senate rejects Robert Bork’s nomination to the Supreme Court in 1987, and Congress passes the Civil Rights Restoration Act, expands and strengthens the Fair Housing Act, and passes the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, apologizing to Japanese Americans interned during World War II.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988 1990s Civil rights icon Dorothy I. Height becomes chair of The Leadership Conference. Wade Henderson becomes executive director of The Leadership Conference, and Karen McGill Lawson becomes executive director of The Education Fund, working together to expand the organization’s lobbying, communications, field, and development capacity. Education Fund Chair Arnold Aronson dies and is succeeded by William Taylor.

Congress passes the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Civil Rights Act of 1991. The Leadership Conference and partners Americans with Disabilities Act develop reactive strategies to combat Ward Connerly’s anti-affirmative action ballot initiatives.

2000s The U.S. elects Barack Obama, its first African-American president. The Leadership Conference helps coordinate successful campaigns to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act in 2006, and pass the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the first federal civil rights enforcement statute to explicitly protect LGBT Americans. The Senate confirms Sonia Sotomayor as the nation’s first Hispanic American Supreme Court justice and Eric Holder as the nation’s Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act first African-American U.S. attorney general. The Leadership Conference plays a critical role in defeating a Ward Connerly-sponsored anti-equal opportunity ballot initiative in Colorado. It was the first Connerly initiative voted down by voters.

In 2010, the leadership of The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund is consolidated under one president, following a successful strategic plan that resulted in new names that make a direct connection between civil and human rights, new brands, and a renewed commitment to successfully taking the movement into the 21st century.

Confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor

32 A Strong Community Voice for Equality

A copy of Paula Young Shelton’s “Child of the Civil Rights Movement,” has been made available to each attendee tonight, thanks to a sponsorship from the Coca-Cola Foundation. This gesture continues Coca-Cola’s long-standing tradition of promoting equality and celebrating diversity. These values are reflected in this remembrance from Andrew Young, whose many distinctions include having served in Congress from the State of Georgia, Mayor of Atlanta, U.N. Ambassador, and confidant to Dr. Martin Luther King.

Coca-Cola’s Fight Against Racism in Atlanta By Andrew Young Andrew Young Coca-Cola brought a distinct view to the race question in Atlanta. In the 1960s CEO J. Paul Austin explored the company’s global experiences and determined that Georgia would not destroy its economy as South Africa had by enforcing racial segregation. Coca-Cola supported the desegregation of Atlanta from the top down, ensuring the voice of Black business in the community. In most southern cities desegregation was left to the children and schools. Because of Coca-Cola’s influence, Mayor Ivan Allen was able to start the process with the business community. This wasn’t easy.

When the Old South leadership rebuked Nobel Prize winner Martin Luther King, Coca-Cola insisted that Dr. King be recognized by the business community, asserting that Coca-Cola didn’t need Atlanta, and Atlanta had to decide if it needed Coca-Cola. The company did not accept racism, it embraced human rights, and it wouldn’t stay in a racist city. Coca-Cola partnered with Rabbi Rothschild and Ivan Allen to chair, with Benjamin Mays, a dinner honoring the young Nobel Peace Prize winner and Atlanta native. The company also supported the election of Atlanta’s first Black Mayor, Maynard Jackson, and me, as a member of Congress – not because we were Black, but because we happened to be the most qualified. Coca-Cola also fought racism in the Atlanta Public School system by financing Help Open Public Education. HOPE helped preserve public education in Atlanta when southern whites threatened to abolish public schools rather than integrate. Finally, Coca-Cola helped finance a four million dollar campaign to convince the people of Atlanta that we were “The City Too Busy to Hate.”

Today under the leadership of Ms. Ingrid Saunders-Jones, Director of Corporate External Affairs and Chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation, this visionary enterprise continues to advance human rights. Alex Cummings leads a Coca-Cola project that encourages people in Haiti and Africa to harvest fruits grown naturally. Coca-Cola has flourished in Atlanta and around the world with a working premise that racism is bad for business, and successful companies ensure the protection of human and civil rights and the celebration of diversity.

21 point Headline

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

1629 K Street, NW 10th Floor Washington, DC 20006