Leading Civil Rights Expert to Keynote YWCA Luncheon

Beverly Robertson, president of the National Civil Rights Museum, to speak at
2008 Salute to Women of Achievement Awards

The YWCA Salute to Women of Achievement event co-chairs Alfreeda Goff and Susan Williams announced today that Beverly C. Robertson, president of the National Civil Rights Museum, will serve as this year’s keynote speaker.

Through her work at the National Civil Rights Museum, Beverly Robertson has made marked advancements toward eliminating racism through education. She bridges the gap between America’s younger generation and the history of the Civil Rights movement through partnerships with educational institutions, such as Vanderbilt University. Robertson also has had the opportunity to gain insight on creating racial justice through one-on-one discussions with civil and human rights leaders. These powerful conversations have included Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, former President Bill Clinton, Maxine Smith, Rosa Parks, Bono, and Benjamin Hooks, all of whom have been recognized by the museum for their efforts to bring about social change across the world. Beverly will share those thoughts with attendees at the Salute to Women of Achievement Luncheon.

“We are delighted to have Beverly deliver words of unity and empowerment. I believe she will motivate and remind us to do what is just and what is fair,” said Susan Williams, event co-chair.

The National Civil Rights Museum is located in Memphis, Tennessee and is built around the Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.  It has been recognized by USA Today as one of our country’s top ten national treasures. The museum houses hundreds of artifacts that document the civil rights struggle and hosts thousands of visitors each year from across the nation and around the world.

“With the Indianapolis YWCA of today focusing much of its efforts on the dual mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, we believe Beverly’s message will provide powerful inspiration to get us and keep us on track  toward achieving our mission,” said Alfreeda Goff, event co-chair.

Beverly Robertson is a graduate of Memphis State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education in 1973. She has received numerous awards and has been featured in several national publications including Essence, The New York Times, Ebony, Black Enterprise, Dollars & Sense and Redbook Magazine.

The YWCA of Indianapolis is a 501 (c)3 tax exempt organization that welcomes donations to help support its mission to empower women and eliminate racism. Its annual Salute to Women of Achievement awards luncheon is sponsored by:  OneAmerica Financial Partners; the Conrad; BusinessWomenConnect; the NCAA; the Netherleigh Fund, a fund of the Indianapolis Foundation; The Lilly Endowment; The Christel DeHaan Foundation; and Tiffany & Co.

Salute is scheduled for May 12, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at The Conrad, 50 W. Washington St., in the Vienna Ballroom & Foyer.

For ticket information or to make a donation, please call (317) 464-8115 or visit www.ywca.org/indianapolis.