What do you know about Kentucky native Whitney Young Jr.?

Lincoln Institute remembers civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr.’s historical impact on Kentucky, nation

He’s advised presidents and even held the top post at the National Urban League. Young also had a role in the famous March on Washington more than 50 years ago.

Photo Courtesy: The Lincoln Institute

The Lincoln Institute remembers civil rights leader Kentucky native Whitney M. Young Jr.’s and his impact on the Civil Rights Movement

By Sherlene Shanklin

SIMPSONVILLE, Ky. — Whitney M. Young Jr. had the respect of many, especially around the state of Kentucky.

He was an advisor to Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon.

Young was born on the campus of the Lincoln Institute – a boarding high school for Blacks created by trustees of Berea College after integrated education was outlawed in Kentucky in 1904 due to the Day Law.

“I am not anxious to be the loudest voice or the most popular. But I would like to think that at a crucial moment, I was an effective voice of the voiceless, an effective hope of the hopeless.”.

He served as president for the National Urban League and played a significant role in the Civil Rights movement.

“He was part of the Big 6 and how President Nixon even asked him to be part of his cabinet and he felt like he could do more for us as a race if he used his platform versus being in the cabinet,” Vivian Warren Overall, a retired community member and Lincoln Foundation board of trustee member said.

Young also helped organized the March on Washington for jobs and freedom with his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brother, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

His parents also played an important role in history.

“Whitney Young Sr. was the first African American president of Lincoln Institute certainly having his own prominence as well as Whitney Jr.’s mom was the first African American postmaster in Kentucky and second in the nation,” Paula Campbell, development director said.

The permanent exhibit in Young’s childhood home is like taking a journey to the past. Campbell said there’s so much history – not just Kentucky history but US history that’s steeped on the land.

Young died on March 11, 1971 at the age of 49.

“He was overseas in Lagos, Nigeria for a conference and had gone swimming and the story is that he drowned,” Campbell said. “Some suspect that was not the case, including his sister. He was a champion swimmer she does not believe he accidentally drowned.”

Campbell explained there are many people who believe that Young may have been one of the leaders during the movement that may have been assassinated. She said it’s something they will never know because it’s been a big mystery.

“President Nixon sent his personal jet over to bring his body back and at that time – one of the Tuskegee Airmen flew that jet now that was special,” Overall said.

Young’s funeral was held in Kentucky with thousands in attendance which included Rev. Jesse Jackson and Dr. King’s widow, Coretta Scott King. The eulogy was given by President Nixon.

“The funeral procession part of it came back here to the campus and circled the campus. That was his last ride,” Overall said.

What would Young think about the fight for social justice happening now?  

“I think this correlation between the 1960’s and now – because all of the things he did to fight for equal rights,” Campbell said.

To see the story click the following link-> https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/black-history/whitney-m-young-jr-black-history-month-draft/417-edb48591-ade6-4b58-8a16-26bad7b8b721

►Contact The VIPP Report’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or follow her on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. 

The VIPP Report: Third Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Project

Remembering Music Icon and Louisville born Lionel Hampton with a concert benefiting Lincoln Foundation’s Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®

Lincoln Foundation

(Louisville, KY) On Friday, August 23rd at the Kentucky Country Day, (KCD) Lincoln Foundation, in partnership with Dick Sisto, Ken Clay, and Owsley Brown III, presents the 3rd annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Project.  Talented local artists will perform in honor of jazz great Lionel Hampton.  The evening starts with a pre-concert reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7:00 p.m.

Proceeds from the event benefit Lincoln Foundation’s signature Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®.  The purpose of the college prep program is to empower deserving youth to achieve successful graduation from high school and college.  Scholars have earned over 440 post secondary degrees since 2000.  The mission of Lincoln Foundation is to provide educational enrichment programs that develop and support youth in overcoming barriers to achievement.

The Lionel Hampton Jazz Project recognizes the contributions of Hampton and the influence he still holds in the entertainment industry. Hampton was born on April 20, 1908 in Louisville, Kentucky.  When his name is mentioned, fans and fellow musicians reference Hampton as an innovator, vibraphonist, showman and a major contributor to the world of jazz.  The Jamey Aebersold Quartet featuring Gabe Evens (piano), Tyrone Wheeler (bass) and Jonathan Higgins (drums) will open the evening.  Dick Sisto’s Vibraganic Trio featuring Kendall Carter (organ), Mike Hyman (drums) and Marlin McKay (flugelhorn) will round out the performances in tribute to Hampton.  Sisto serves as the artistic and musical director for the event.

During the course of the evening, Lincoln Foundation will also present the prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award. The award is given annually to individual(s) who exemplifies an active commitment to education, human/community service, and leadership.  The 2019 recipient is Dr. F. Bruce Williams of Bates Memorial Baptist Church.  The pastor, of one of the largest congregations in the city, works tirelessly in the church and community as a great humanitarian.  Past recipients include Steve and Amy Trager, Christina Lee Brown, Laura Douglas, Ed Hamilton, Mary Gwen Wheeler, Mayor Greg Fischer, Robert & Deborah Blair and Lonnie & the late Muhammad Ali.

Tickets for the Lionel Hampton Jazz Project are $65 and can be purchased through www.louisvilletickets.com.

For additional information, please contact Paula Campbell at 502.585.4733 ext. 203 or Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.  Visit our website at www.lincolnfdn.org.

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The VIPP Report: 2nd Annual Lionel Hampton Tribute Concert Showcase Benefits Lincoln Foundation’s Signature Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®

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Lincoln Foundation, in partnership with Dick Sisto, Ken Clay, and Owsley Brown III, present the 2nd annual Lionel Hampton Tribute Concert Showcase.  The concert takes place Friday, August 17th at 7:30 pm at the Holy Trinity Clifton Campus Eifler Theatre (formerly the Clifton Center) located at 2117 Payne Street.

The fundraiser benefits Lincoln Foundation’s signature Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®.  The ultimate goal of the college prep program is to empower students for successful graduation from high school and college.  Scholars have earned over 400 postsecondary degrees since 2000.  Lincoln Foundation has empowered disadvantaged youth to overcome adversity through education since its inception by Berea College over 100 years ago.  The mission of the organization is to provide educational enrichment programs that develop and support youth in overcoming barriers to achievement.

The Lionel Hampton Tribute Concert Showcase honors the late, great jazz musician and Louisville native Lionel Hampton.  Born on April 20, 1908, Hampton popularized the vibraphone and was renowned for being an innovator, actor, pianist, showman, and entertainer. Hampton received countless awards and honors which included being recognized for his outstanding work in music by two standing presidents.  Both President George H. W. Bush and President Bill Clinton honored the jazz icon.

Louisville’s own jazz legend, vibraphonist Dick Sisto, continues to keep Hampton’s legacy alive.  Sisto will serve as the artistic and musical director for the showcase.  A group of world-class artists will join Sisto including Jeremy Allen, double bass; Art Gore, drums; Walter Smith III, saxophone; Robert McCarther, vocals; and two-time Grammy Award winner, Kamau Kenyatta, piano.  Four of the artists are also renowned professors of jazz at some of the country’s preeminent schools of music.

The evening begins with the presentation of the prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award.  The award is annually given to a local individual who exemplifies an active commitment to education, human/community service, and leadership.  The 2018 recipients are Steve and Amy Trager.  Steve is the Chairman and CEO of Republic Bank, and Amy is a community leader and volunteer.  Past recipients include Christina Lee Brown, Laura Douglas, Ed Hamilton, Mary Gwen Wheeler, Mayor Greg Fischer, Robert & Deborah Blair and Lonnie & the late Muhammad Ali.

Tickets for the Lionel Hampton Tribute Showcase are $40 for general admission and $25 for students with a valid ID and can be purchased through www.louisvilletickets.com. Tickets are also available at Better Days Records East and Better Days Records West.

For additional information, please contact Paula Campbell at 502.585.4733 ext. 203 or Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.  Visit our website at www.lincolnfdn.org.

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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Jazz artists begin to arrive in Louisville to pay tribute to Lionel Hampton for his contributions in music

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LOUISVILLE, KY – The Lincoln Foundation in partnership with Dick Sisto, Ken Clay, Owsley Brown III, Louisville Public Media, Owsley Brown II Family Foundation, The Kentucky Center, Mike Balter Mallets and Vandoren Saxophone Reeds proudly announces the inaugural Lionel Hampton Tribute Concert Showcase. The event will take place in the Bomhard Theater of the Kentucky Center on Saturday October 7th at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will be a live-recording.

 Dick Sisto, on vibraphone, is the artistic and music director who will lead a group of featured jazz artists who will pay tribute to jazz greats past and present.  They include Barry Ries, trumpet; Bobby Broom, guitar; Bobby Floyd, keyboards; Jim Anderson, bass; Art Gore, drums and special guest Harry Skoler, clarinet (Berklee College of Music). These experienced artists have played with jazz greats such as Lionel Hampton, Sonny Rollins, Count Basie, Benny Golson, and George Benson.

            Louisville native Lionel Hampton was born on April 20, 1908. He popularized the vibraphone and played with the Benny Goodman Quartet before becoming a successful bandleader. Hampton received honors from Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He performed well into his 90s before passing away in 2002.

           Mayor Greg Fischer and the city of Louisville have embraced this event and hope to honor this hometown jazz great and innovator with an official Lionel Hampton dedication day. The event will also feature a showcase of young percussion students on the vibraphone and drums.  A music scholarship will be considered for one of the participating youth.

           Tickets start at $30.00 and they are still available at the Kentucky Center Box Office.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Lincoln Foundation’s signature Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®.  During the concert, a representative from Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky will make a special announcement that will impact the youth in the scholars program.

           Lincoln Foundation has empowered disadvantaged youth to overcome adversity through education since its inception by Berea College over 100 years ago. The mission of the organization is to provide educational enrichment programs that develop and support youth in overcoming barriers to achievement. Lincoln Foundation outcomes demonstrate that students can break the cycle of poverty in their families through higher education. Students are holistically developed in an educational culture that stresses academic achievement and graduation from college.  Lincoln Foundation annually serves approximately 600 students from two years of age through college with its year-round, nontraditional educational enrichment programs.

For additional information, please contact Paula Campbell at 502.585.4733 ext. 203 or Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or visit our website at www.lincolnfdn.org.

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The VIPP Report: The Lincoln Foundation announces Evening of Jazz entertainment

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Ansyn Banks Quintet will PERFORM tribute to jazz great Kenny Dorham at

 ANNUAL EVENING OF JAZZ

(Louisville, KY).  The 22nd Annual Evening of Jazz featuring the Ansyn Banks Quintet will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 at the KCD Theater, 4100 Springdale Road. Proceeds from the event benefit the Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®.  A pre-concert reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will begin at 5:30 p.m. The program and concert, which features the Ansyn Banks Quintet performing a tribute to jazz great Kenny Dorham, begins at 7:00 p.m.

As a jazz trumpeter, singer and composer, Kenny Dorham played with such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Billy Eckstine and Mercer Ellington. He was best known for his album entitled Afro-Cuban which showcased his interest in combining Latin music with jazz.

Ansyn Banks, an associate professor of jazz trumpet at the University of Louisville School of Music, teaches jazz styles and analysis, jazz improvisation and directs the university’s jazz combo program.  He has performed with jazz legends such as Dick Oatts, Harry Pickens, Chuck Marohnic, Hank Marr, Gene Walker and Melvin Rhyne as well as some of the biggest names in entertainment like the Mighty Dells, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin and the Four Tops.

Prior to the concert, Lincoln Foundation will present the prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award which is annually given to a local individual who exemplifies an active commitment to education, human/community service, and leadership.  This year’s recipient is Cathe Dykstra, Chief Possibility Officer and President & CEO of Family Scholar House, for her role in “changing lives, families and communities through education”.  Past recipients include Christina Lee Brown, Laura Douglas, Ed Hamilton, Mary Gwen Wheeler, Mayor Greg Fischer, Robert & Deborah Blair and Lonnie & the late Muhammad Ali.

Lincoln Foundation has empowered disadvantaged youth to overcome adversity through education since its inception by Berea College over 100 years ago. Lincoln Foundation believes that students can break the cycle of poverty in their families through higher education. The mission of the organization is to provide educational enrichment programs that develop and support youth in overcoming barriers to achievement.  The signature Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program® annually serves approximately 460 students in grades 7-12 and over a six-year period prepares them for high school and college graduation. The college-prep program has demonstrated successful outcomes with Scholars earning over 361 undergraduate and graduate degrees since 2000.  Today over 150 Scholars are enrolled at accredited colleges or universities.

The Evening of Jazz is made possible this year due to the generous support of LG&E and KU Energy, Brown-Forman, Business First, Louisville Defender, Stock Yards Bank & Trust and PNC Bank among others.

Tickets are available for purchase through the KCD Theater box office http://www.kcdtheater.org.  For additional information about Lincoln Foundation or the 22nd Annual Evening of Jazz, please contact Paula Campbell at 502.585.4733 ext. 203 or visit the Lincoln Foundation website at http://www.lincolnfdn.org.

To schedule an interview and/or have one of our artists perform during your television program, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com. 

Link to Evening of Jazz flyer-  EOJ17Postcard-final

 

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Tribute event announced to honor jazz great and Louisville native Lionel Hampton

 LincolnFoundation

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Lincoln Foundation in partnership with Dick Sisto, Ken Clay, Owsley Brown III, Louisville Public Media, Owsley Brown II Family Foundation, The Kentucky Center, Mike Balter Mallets and Vandoren Saxophone Reeds proudly announces the First, Annual Lionel Hampton Tribute Concert Showcase. The event will take place in the Bomhard Theater of the Kentucky Center on Saturday Oct. 7.

Dick Sisto, on vibraphone, is the artistic and music director who will lead a group of featured jazz artists who will pay tribute to jazz greats past and present.  They include Barry Ries, trumpet (Lionel Hampton); Bobby Broom, guitar (Sonny Rollins); Bobby Floyd, keyboards (Count Basie); Jim Anderson, bass (Benny Golson); Art Gore, drums (George Benson) and special guest Harry Skoler, clarinet (Berklee College of Music).

Louisville native Lionel Hampton was born on April 20, 1908. He popularized the vibraphone and played with the Benny Goodman Quartet before becoming a successful bandleader. Hampton received honors from Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He performed well into his 90s before passing away in 2002.

Mayor Greg Fischer and the city of Louisville have embraced this event and hope to honor this hometown jazz great and innovator with an official Lionel Hampton dedication day. The event will also feature a showcase of young percussion students on the vibraphone and drums.  A music scholarship will be considered for one of the participating youth.

Schedule and ticket information for the Lionel Hampton Tribute Concert Showcase will be announced later this summer. Proceeds from the event will benefit Lincoln Foundation’s signature Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®.

Lincoln Foundation has empowered disadvantaged youth to overcome adversity through education since its inception by Berea College over 100 years ago. The mission of the organization is to provide educational enrichment programs that develop and support youth in overcoming barriers to achievement. Lincoln Foundation outcomes demonstrate that students can break the cycle of poverty in their families through higher education. Students are holistically developed in an educational culture that stresses academic achievement and graduation from college.  Lincoln Foundation annually serves approximately 600 students from two years of age through college with its year-round, nontraditional educational enrichment programs.

For additional information, please contact Paula Campbell at 502.585.4733 ext. 203 or Sherlene Shanklin at 502-295-0435 or sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.  Please visit our website at www.lincolnfdn.org.

 

The VIPP Report: News conference to announce an event to keep Louisville native Lionel Hampton’s music legacy alive

LincolnFoundation

MEDIA ADVISORY

June 2, 2017

 

WHO:             Lincoln Foundation representatives and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer

WHAT:           Details will be announced about an upcoming event that will celebrate the                           life and accomplishments of Louisville native Lionel Hampton

WHEN:           Wednesday, June 7, 2017

WHERE:         Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main Street

TIME:             11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Confirmed attendees:

Mayor Greg Fischer, Dick Sisto, Ken Clay, Larry McDonald, and a representative from the Owsley Brown II family

If you have any questions, please contact Paula Campbell with Lincoln Foundation at 502-651-1015 or Sherlene Shanklin with VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435.

 

 

The VIPP Report: It’s the Evening of Jazz hosted by the Lincoln Foundation

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Lincoln Foundation invites you to attend one of the premiere jazz events in the city, the 21st Annual Evening of Jazz, Friday, August 19th at the KCD Theater, 4100 Springdale Road.  The pre-concert reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-concert reception followed by the program and benefit concert at 7:00 p.m. Derrick Rose, WHAS11 Television Anchor/Reporter, will be this year’s emcee.

The featured entertainment will be The Dick Sisto/Steve Allee Quartet with Jeremy Allen and Jason Tiemann performing original music from their recent CD entitled “Earth Tones”.  The CD which has received rave reviews from Jazz Times and All About Jazz will be available for purchase with part of the proceeds benefiting the Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®.

The annual fundraiser’s theme is “A Toast to Education”. The Spirit of Excellence Award will be presented to Ms. Diane Porter a community leader and retired educator. She currently serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the Jefferson County Board of Education.  Past recipients include Christina Lee Brown, Ed Hamilton, Mary Gwen Wheeler, Mayor Greg Fischer, Robert & Deborah Blair and Lonnie & the late Muhammad Ali.  The prestigious award is given annually to an individual in the community who exemplifies an active community commitment to education, human/community service, and leadership.

The Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program® was created in 1990 by Dr. Samuel Robinson, President Emeritus, to serve the educational needs of academically talented, socioeconomically disadvantaged youth in grades 7-12. YOUNG is an acronym for Youth Organized to Understand New Goals. The program was named for Dr. Whitney M. Young, Sr., graduate and first African American President of the Lincoln Institute, and his son Dr. Whitney M. Young, Jr., noted educator, statesman, and human rights advocate. The Scholars program serves 425 students annually preparing them for academic achievement and college graduation. Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program® has proven outcomes of success. Scholars annually achieve a 100% high school graduation rate and Scholars have earned 357 undergraduate and graduate college degrees since 2000. Today over 150 Scholars are enrolled at accredited colleges or universities.

Lincoln Foundation has empowered disadvantaged youth to overcome adversity through education since its inception by Berea College over 100 years ago.   The mission of Lincoln Foundation is to provide educational enrichment programs that develop and support youth in overcoming barriers to achievement.

This year’s Evening of Jazz was made possible due to the generous support of presenting sponsor LG&E and KU Energy, and other signature sponsors which include Brown-Forman, Business First, Louisville Defender, McCarthy Strategic Solutions, Stock Yards Bank & Trust and PNC Bank among others.

Tickets are available for purchase through the KCD Theater box office http://www.kcdtheater.org/.  For additional information about Lincoln Foundation or the 21st Annual Evening of Jazz, please contact Paula Campbell at 502.585.4733 ext. 203 or visit the Lincoln Foundation website at http://www.lincolnfdn.org.

To schedule an interview and/or have one of our artists perform during your television program, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  Follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.

 

The VIPP Report: Lincoln Foundation’s Evening of Jazz

Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program® Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence at Lincoln Foundation’s

20th Annual Evening of Jazz  124365Postcard-page-001

Internationally Renowned Music Educator, Jamey Aebersold – Featured Artist

Louisville, KY — Lincoln Foundation is excited to announce Jamey Aebersold Jazz Quartet as this year’s featured artist for the 20th Annual Evening of Jazz. The New Albany, Indiana native was honored as a recipient of the 2014 A.B. Spellman National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy. The award is bestowed upon an individual who has contributed significantly to the appreciation, knowledge, and advancement of the art form of jazz. The Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies Program at the University of Louisville was named in his honor. The internationally known saxophonist and music educator has created more than 130 “Play-A-Long” instructional book and CD collections, using the chord-scale system.

The benefit concert will be held Friday, August 21, 2015 at The Kentucky Center in downtown Louisville. The evening kicks off with a pre-concert reception at 5:30 p.m. where students from the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, also known as the West Louisville Boys and Girls Choirs will perform. The concert featuring the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Quartet will start at 7:00 p.m. in the Bomhard Theater. The prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award will be presented to philanthropist Christina Lee Brown. The award is given annually to an individual in the community who exemplifies an active voluntary commitment to education, human/community service, and leadership.

Tickets to the Evening of Jazz are $100 and may be purchased through The Kentucky Center box office at 502-584-7777. Proceeds benefit Lincoln Foundation’s signature Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®.

The Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program® was created in 1990 by Dr. Samuel Robinson, President Emeritus, to serve the educational needs of academically talented, economically disadvantaged students in grades 7-12. The program was named for Dr. Whitney M. Young, Sr., graduate and first African American President of the Lincoln Institute, and his son Dr. Whitney M. Young, Jr., noted educator, statesman, and human rights advocate. YOUNG is an acronym for Youth Organized to Understand New Goals. The program serves 250 disadvantaged students annually in grades 7-12 preparing them for academic achievement and college graduation. Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars annually achieve a 100% high school graduation rate and have earned over 100 undergraduate and graduate college degrees during the past five years. Today over 150 Scholars are enrolled at accredited colleges or universities.

Lincoln Foundation has empowered disadvantaged youth to overcome adversity through education since its inception by Berea College over 100 years ago.   The mission of Lincoln Foundation is to provide educational enrichment programs that develop and support youth in overcoming barriers to achievement.

For additional information about Lincoln Foundation or the 20th Annual Evening of Jazz, please call Paula Campbell at 502.585.4733 ext. 203 or visit the Lincoln Foundation website at http://www.lincolnfdn.org.

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