Minyon Moore, Rev. Al Sharpton and Wade Henderson Among Spirit of Democracy Honorees

Attorney, TV personality, and author Star Jones to serve as host

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (The National Coalition)  will host the 14th annual "Spirit of Democracy Awards Black & White Gala," and kick off the organization's 35th anniversary celebration on May 18, 2011, 6 PM at the Renaissance DC Hotel. There will be a special tribute to Dr. Ronald Walters, National Coalition founding board member and internationally recognized political scientist who passed away last year, Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of The National Coalition, announced recently. For ticket information call (202) 659-4929 or [email protected].

With former prosecutor and TV personality, Star Jones, serving as host, Spirit Award honorees are: Wade Henderson, president and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights; Minyon Moore, principal, Dewey Square Group; Rev. Al Sharpton, president, National Action Network; Yelberton Watkins, chief of staff, Congressman James Clyburn's Office; Dennis Van Roekel, president, National Education Association; and Randi Weingarten, president, American Federation of Teachers.

"We could not have selected a better group of honorees to kick-off our 35th anniversary celebration. All of them are great leaders and are committed to empowering communities of color.  Dr. Walters has touched all of our lives in a positive way," said Campbell. "This is the first of multiple anniversary events to take place throughout the year. We're taking the rest of the year to celebrate three decades of leadership and empowerment in Black communities."

Additional 35th anniversary events planned this year include the launch of the Eddie Williams Civic Engagement and Social Innovation Training Academy on Sep 17, and the Women of Power 35: Mentor/Protege Luncheon and Summit on Oct 20. The luncheon and summit will be the final tour stop for Black Women's Roundtable "Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise" National Empowerment Tour. Made possible by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the tour provides tools to empower underserved women and girls.

The Spirit Awards are presented to individuals and organizations who support The National Coalition's mission of making civic participation a cultural responsibility and tradition. Title 35th Anniversary partners include AT&T and Verizon, among others. The event is open to the public. Individual ticket prices are $150. For more information call 202 659-4929 or visit www.ncbcp.org to purchase online.

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Melanie L. Campbell

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SOURCE National Coalition on Black Civic Participation