Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu Among Honorees During Global Transformers Gala: Andrew Young, Congressman John Lewis, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Other Civil Rights Preachers
The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) will host its inaugural Global Transformers Gala 2015 to honor global political, civic and spiritual icons whose life’s work and leadership – inspired by their faith – addressed societal ills, influenced nations, and transformed societies across the globe. The formal dinner and awards ceremony will take place on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse in Atlanta, Georgia 30337.
For the first time in its history, the ITC will bring together the “preachers” and theologians of the civil rights movement whose Spirit-led leadership transformed the world and changed the course of history. The original home of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Center for Non-violent Social Change, the ITC is taking this opportunity to honor these ministers of the civil rights movement for their unwavering faith-based leadership with a Global Transformer Award. The ITC will also pay special tribute with a Light of the World Award to two Nobel Peace Prize Winners whose humanitarian work inspired and changed nations.
Global Transformer Award Honorees are:
- Ambassador Andrew Young
- Congressman John R. Lewis
- Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery
- Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian
- Rev. Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr.
- Rabbi Alvin M. Sugarman
- Bishop Dr. Barbara L. King
- Rev. Dr. Cameron M. Alexander
- Rev. Dr. R.L. White
- Dr. Lonnie C. King Jr.
Light of the World Award Honorees are:
- The Honorable Jimmy Carter
- Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
“This event recognizes the power that faith has in the transformation of communities around the world,” said ITC President Dr. Edward L. Wheeler. “We are honored that some of the icons of civil and human rights have agreed to allow us to honor them in this unique and powerful way.
“This assemblage of transformative, spiritually-grounded leaders reminds all of us of what can happen when we allow ourselves to be led by God’s Spirit and our commitment to the liberation of the oppressed,” he said.
The awards ceremony will be emceed by legendary Atlanta television newswoman and personality Monica Pearson and WSB-TV prime time news anchor Jovita Moore.
This cohort of Nobel Peace Prize and Congressional Medal of Freedom recipients, pastors, preachers and spiritual elders are enduring examples of what can be achieved when faith and leadership are combined. As the ITC continues its role cultivating, nurturing and expanding the outlook for service and scholarship that already exists in its students, the institution is proud to hold up this first class of Global Transformers as shining examples of what can be achieved through faith-based leadership.
The event also provides an opportunity for the community to support ITC’s vision of transforming lives, communities, and the world through the leadership of its graduates.
For more information about the Gala and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit http://gtg.itc.edu/ or contact Edith Love via email at elove(at)itc(dot)edu or phone at 404-527-7767.
ABOUT THE ITC ( http://www.itc.edu/ )
The Interdenominational Theological Center is the world’s premier resource for Black church scholarship and faith-based solutions to the spiritual and socio-economic challenges confronting the African-American community. The institution advocates a more aggressive role for churches in the renewal of American society, with special emphasis on the development of “public theologians: men and women of faith with special training for and commitment to nurturing the spiritual, moral, and economic empowerment of distressed communities throughout the nation.”
