Educating 365 Event Honors Black Education Advocates Tonight

When it comes to issues of social justice and empowerment in the African American community, three names may readily come to mind, Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan, Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina and the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Each has made a tremendous impact on the Black community and in the Black church, locally, nationally and internationally, and each has been dedicated to education as the most effective way of changing the plight of those who live on life’s margins.

Because of their legacy of educating, they are being honored as Living Legends for their unfailing work and dedication. Minister Farrakhan has spent decades teaching and transforming the lives of young African American men and women who were seeking direction. Father Pfleger has worked tirelessly with gang members, teaching against gun violence and often taking to the streets with parishioners to protect the community’s youth. And Dr. Wright has spent a lifetime teaching about the intersection of one’s faith, one’s history and one’s personal obligation to serve “the least of these.” All three have built and supported institutions that have been the backbone of transformation for our future.

“We wanted to focus on the most important aspects of these legends lives– educating and education – as we raise money to support the efforts to which they are most dedicated,” said Jeri L. Wright, president and CEO of Grace of God, NFP. “Because of their commitment to the education of people of African descent and people worldwide, we wanted to find a way to keep their legacies alive by supporting the structures, the schools and the people of Haiti, that are near and dear to their hearts.”

The “Living Legends Educating 365” evening will include a concert performance by the Grammy-nominated musician, Kirk Whalum and a book signing by Dr. Wright. Dr. Wright has just released A Sankofa Moment: The History of Trinity United Church of Christ. It is his first book that is not a compilation of his powerful sermons and is the first of three that he will be completing over the next few years. In A Sankofa Moment, Dr. Wright not only talks about the vast ministries he helped create, but also the church’s commitment to Africa and education.

The proceeds from the evening’s events will benefit Kwame Nkrumah Academy, Trinity Child Care Centers, Inc., Saint Sabina Academy and Yele Haiti on behalf of Minister Farrakhan. Dr. Wright’s books will be available for purchase on the night of the event, but they also can also be purchased online at www.jeremiahwright.com.

COST: General admission, $40; preferred seating, $75; VIP, $100—purchase tickets online at, www.jeremiahwright.com, or Safari Marketplace, 1403 West 111^th Street

WHO: Honoring the Lives and Legacies of:

v The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam, Chicago, IL

v The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., Pastor Emeritus, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL

v Father Michael Pfleger, the Community of St. Sabina, Chicago, IL

v Featuring 8-time Grammy Nominated Jazz saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, and S4: The Soulful Sounds of Shannon Stevenson

WHEN: March 5, 2010

6:00 p.m. Reception and Book Signing

7:30 p.m. Showtime, Hosted by Cliff Kelly