MEDIA ADVISORY

International

Civil Rights Center & Museum

Announces

48th Anniversary Sit-In Gala

Awards Banquet and Honorees

(Greensboro, NC - January 9, 2008…..) “As we commence the celebration of this city’s bicentennial, the Board of Directors of the Sit-In Movement, Inc. announces the observance of the 48th anniversary of the F.W. Woolworth lunch-counter sit-ins and a spectacular array of honorees who helped change America’s perspective on civil rights and justice”, stated Chairman Melvin “Skip” Alston in releasing details of the annual event that will be held this year on January 31st in the Guilford Ballroom of the Sheraton Four Seasons at the Koury Convention Center, 6:00 p.m.”

He continued, “We are especially pleased that the recipient of the 2008 Alston/Jones International Civil and Human Rights Award is the legendary actress – Cicely Tyson. Over her distinguished career she has brought to audiences, around the world, some of the most graphic and moving portrayals of the struggles that marked our nation’s civil rights’ movement. Her talent and stunning performances have commanded the respect of critics and the masses alike, garnering Oscar and Golden Globe nominations and winning multiple Emmy Awards, Ace, and an array of the film industry’s highest honors.”

The Unsung Hero Award will be presented to Captain Harvey Alexander, an original Tuskegee Airman. Capt. Alexander’s bravery and commitment during World War II makes him one of our nation’s great treasures.

The three surviving members of the original “Greensboro Four” will award the annual Sit-In Participant Awards to Bennett College Alumna Gwendolyn Mackel Rice of Chicago and A & T Alumni Fred Jones of Durham, and Robert Patterson of Greensboro.

In recognition of their outstanding work in support of the completion of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum the 2008 Community Leadership Award will be presented to The Greensboro Partnership.

Co-Chairs For Anniversary Gala

Ms. Cynthia Marshall, President - AT&T North Carolina

Mr. Davis Montgomery, Business Relations Mgr., Duke Energy

Mrs. Michelle Gethers Clark, Senior Vice President, American Express

For information contact: Pamela Glass at 336.274.9199.