Joint Center Raises Record $1.3 Million at Annual Fundraiser; Audio, Photos Available Featuring Award to Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., and Tribute to Outgoing President Eddie N. Williams

4/27/2004

From: Liselle Yorke of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, 202-789-6366 or lyorke@jointcenter.org

WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies exceeded all expectations at its annual dinner on Wednesday, April 21, raising a record $1.3 million. Almost 800 supporters, including Alfonso Jackson, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary; Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.); and Raul Yzaguirre, president of the National Council of La Raza; gathered at the Washington Hilton to celebrate the center's work and pay tribute to both civil rights leader Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., and the Joint Center's outgoing president Eddie N. Williams.

Jordan received the Joint Center's second annual "Louis E. Martin Great American" Award for his commitment to justice and equality, while Williams was heralded for his vision and leadership as he prepares to step down in December.

Audio available at http://www.jointcenter.org, by clicking on the link to "Highlights: Joint Center 2004 Annual Dinner and 'Louis E. Martin Great American' Award." Contact Liselle Yorke at 202-789-6366 or lyorke@jointcenter.org for JPEG images.

Upon receiving the award, Jordan recalled Louis E. Martin, an African American advisor to Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Carter, saying: "When we cast our eyes over the changing landscape of modern American history, and of the extraordinary forward movement of black America, we see the hand and heart of Louis Martin." Martin was also a Joint Center founder and the first chair of its board of governors.

Williams, the Joint Center's president for 32 of its 34 years, was praised for transforming the organization from a training institute for black elected officials to a public policy research center that focuses on political participation, economic advancement, health policy, and international affairs. The longest-serving president of a Washington think tank, he was also honored by D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, who declared April 21 "Eddie N. Williams Day" in the city. Audio clips from the dinner are available at http://www.jointcenter.org. in Real Player and Windows Media formats. The audio is of broadcast quality and may be used without restriction. It will be posted for 30 days. For photo images from the dinner, please contact Liselle Yorke, communications specialist, at 202-789-6366 or lyorke@jointcenter.org.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, conducts research and analyses on public policy issues of concern to African American and other minorities, promotes their involvement in the governance process, and operates programs that create coalitions within the minority, business, and other diverse communities. For more information, visit http://www.jointcenter.org.