92nd Birthday Celebration For Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery October 6 in Atlanta

ATLANTA - Sept. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- ATLANTA – September 24, 2013 – While we continue to lift Mrs. Evelyn Lowery in prayer and pray for the entire Lowery family, it is Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery's directive that "we carry on" with the fundraiser for the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights. I’ve Known Rivers, a musical and theatrical experience in celebration of the life and work of the legendary civil and human rights leader and in honor of his 92nd birthday, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 6,  6 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, MorehouseCollege, 830 Westview Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA30314.

The "carry on" spirit is indicative of the legacy and life work of both Dr. and Mrs. Lowery who believe that no matter what, the work that must be done is too important not to move forward. Two examples of the work of the Institute, are the anti- violence and conflict resolution programs at Perkins Elementary School and Sylvan Middle School as well as a race and reconciliation program with college students.

“This evening has a dual purpose,” says  Cheryl Lowery, executive director of the Lowery Institute. “While we celebrate my dad’s 92nd birthday and his tireless work for all people, we also seek to raise funds to carry on programs that reflect that dedication to service.” .The Institute was established in 2001 on the campus of ClarkAtlantaUniversity to continue the legacy of Dr. Lowery whose life work has been nonviolent advocacy.

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The event will be hosted by television and radio personality Steve Harvey. A distinguished team has lined up to lead this special celebration. Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was selected to serve as Honorary Chairman. Richard Anderson, President and CEO of Delta Air Lines and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed are Honorary Co-Chairmen. There will be a surprise performance by a mega superstar, one of Dr. Lowery’s favorite entertainers.

A special presentation of the inaugural “Joseph E. Lowery Agent of Change Award” will be made to Tyler Perry, President of Tyler Perry Studios for his outstanding contributions to the world of television, film and mankind.

“Tyler Perry serves as the perfect example of someone who has worked tirelessly as a champion for the common good.", said Cheryl Lowery “Central to the mission of the Lowery Institute is to empower, inspire and train current and future leaders as “change agents” to explore the moral, ethical and theological imperatives for justice and human rights. Mr. Perry has persevered in spite of personal and professional challenges and has achieved incredible results in an industry that has historically limited minority participation. As an actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, producer and author, he has used his vast business network to employ hundreds of people in under served areas of our community. He has been involved in civil rights cases, donates generously to charities, children’s issues, homelessness and feeding the poor. We can think of no one more suited to receive the first Joseph E. Lowery Agent of Change Award than Tyler Perry,” she said.

The theatrical production of I’ve Known Rivers produced by Kenneth Green will celebrate milestones in the movement and Dr. Lowery’s continued mission with performances by Cassi Davis, Terri Vaughn, Rolanda Watts, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Wintley Phipps, Derek "Fonzworth Bentley" Watkins, Kenny Leon,  Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs and other special guests.

More than 2,000 citizens and community leaders are expected to attend the festivities.  Event proceeds will benefit the Lowery Institute.

Known as the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement”,Rev. Dr. Lowery has held a diverse series of roles over the course of his nine plus decades, most notably serving as the co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and serving as the organization’s leader for 20 years. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to the nonviolent struggle for the causes of justice, human rights, economic equality, voting rights, peace and human dignity, President Barack Obama awarded him the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, on August 12, 2009.

Tickets for the celebration are available for VIP $100 and VIP Loge $75, seniors $50 and students $25 on line at www.loweryinstitute.org (http://www.loweryinstitute.org/Lowery92)/Lowery92 (http://www.loweryinstitute.org/Lowery92). For additional information on sponsorship opportunities and tickets please contact Ryan Maltese at ryan.maltese@loweryinstitute.org, (404) 524-8406.

All working media must RSVP by October 2 to participate in the following media opportunities: Please send all media requests  to Diane Larche, diane@larchecommunications.com, (mailto:diane@larchecommunications.com) 404 273-3227.

·         Day of event red carpet arrivals and interviews (4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.)
·         Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery 92^nd Birthday celebration (6 p.m.)

About the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights:
The mission of the Institute is to provide a platform for citizens of every walk of life to learn the important principles that underline nonviolent advocacy . The Institute provides a forum for dialogue and a laboratory for the analysis of issues related to a variety of social inequity: Human Rights, Workers’ Rights, Election Reform, Voting Rights, Anti-Poverty Measures, Economic Justice, Environmental Justice, Racism, and Sexism, managers, executives, advocates, elected officials, scholars, clergy and laypersons to benefit from examples of nonviolent advocacy and for exploration of the moral, ethical, and theological imperatives for justice and human rights for all people.  www.loweryinstitute.org

Facebook:  Joseph Lowery Institute For Justice and Human Rights   Twitter: @josephelowery