Mayor Greg Fischer to Present Louisville Metro's Freedom Award to Ed White This Weekend

Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that Ed White, the founder of the River City Drum Corps is the 2015 recipient of Louisville Metro's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award.

Fischer will present the award 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 during the "Keepers of the Dream" community arts celebration dedicated to Dr. King at the Kentucky Center's Whitney Hall, 501 W. Main St. The event is free and open to the public.

The Freedom Award, first presented in 1987, recognizes citizens that have dedicated their lives to promoting justice, peace, freedom, non-violence, racial equality and civic activism. Previous winners include Suzy Post, Ishmon Burks, State Rep. Darryl Owens, Charlie Johnson, Merv Aubespin, Dr. Bernard Minnis, Ben Richmond, Raoul Cunningham, Georgia Davis Powers, Ed Hamilton, Lyman T. Johnson, Beverly Watts, Sam Watkins and Deborah Todd.

This year's award is a blown glass design created by Ché Rhodes, associate professor, Head of Glass, University of Louisville Hite Art Institute.

The Jan. 18 concert and community arts celebration is presented by the Kentucky Center ArtsReach in collaboration with Louisville Metro Government and the River City Drum Corp. The event, hosted by high school junior Jahne' Brown, will feature presentations by ArtsReach dance and violin students representing Chestnut Street YMCA, Shively City Hall, Shawnee Arts and Cultural Center, WESTEC and West End School, drummer Joan Brannon, vocals by Illusive & C.J. Russell, Dr. Martin Luther King, JR speech by Westerfield Tolbert, Phillip Cherry & Pfilil Stirgwolt performing the work of Paul Laurence Dunbar, a performance by student of Louisville Central Community Centers, an excerpt from the Stage One world premiere of In This Corner...Cassius Clay, a tribute to featured artist Victor Sweatt, by pianist Kennedy Wickers, and River City Drum Corp Percussion Ensemble, with special guest conductor Dr. Don N. Parker.

A pre-performance in the Kentucky Center lobby from 4-4:40 will feature Louisville Leopard Percussionists. Following the main program, there will be a post-show celebration in the lobby featuring music by the River City Drum Corps.

In addition to the Mayor's Freedom Award, ArtsReach will present Living the Vision Awards to Norton Foundation, Vean Thompson, Diane Downs, and Lyndell Johnson.

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