*The following text was excerpted from http://www.yolanda-king.com/Yolanda-King.htm *
Yolanda King, founder and CEO of Higher Ground Productions was the first-born daughter of Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was Yolanda King's mission to encourage personal growth and positive social change through her work as an actor, speaker and producer and led to her founding Higher Ground Productions.
Yolanda King's innovative lecture-performances have been experienced throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Africa and Asia. She was co-creator of a book entitled Open My Eyes, Open My Soul, demonstrating her commitment to raise awareness and enhance understanding about the importance of diversity. Her commitment to personal empowerment is evidenced in the Higher Ground Productions publishing of Embracing Your Power in 30 Days, a step by step, daily tool for personal growth based on her very personal experiences, co-authored by Ms. King and Wanda Marie.
After receiving a B.A. degree with honors from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, King moved to New York to earn her Masters degree in Theatre at New York University. During this time, she directed and performed in productions in New York and the Tri-State area. She honed her teaching skills while working with young people at the King Center for Non-Violent Social Change. Ms. King premiered her theatrical production "Achieving the Dream" where she portrays several characters in the movement for civil rights during the Olympics in Atlanta. As a seasoned and respected actor, many of King's stage, television and film credits reflect her commitment to social change and include portrayals of Rosa Parks in the NBC-TV movie "King," Dr. Betty Shabazz in the film "Death of a Prophet" with Morgan Freeman, and Medgar Ever's daughter, Reena, in "Ghosts of Mississippi" directed by Rob Reiner.
King's speaking accomplishments included presentations at Fortune 500 corporations; religious and civic events; educational and professional conferences, and universities. Sharing her message on the importance of embracing diversity and our common humanity, she has sounded the call from the halls of the United Nations to venues in Moscow and Munich. King has been acclaimed for her ability to inspire people from all walks of life to reach higher ground; to motivate people to move forward, and to empower people to make a difference.
King has been honored with numerous presentations, awards and citations by organizations around the country and was named one of the Outstanding Young Women of America. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. (the official national memorial to Dr. King) and was founding Director of the King Center's Cultural Affairs Program. She serves on the Partnership Council of Habitat for Humanity, is a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a sponsor of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and holds a lifetime membership in the N.A.A.C.P. She is the recipient of two Honorary Doctorial degrees.
Yolanda King passed away on March 15, 2007. For more information on how you can support her legacy, visit http://www.yolanda-king.com/index2.htm, call Wanda Marie at 310.714.2421, or email Wanda@HigherGroundProductions.com. Feel free to send donations to,
Higher Ground Productions
10736 Jefferson Blvd. Suite 233
Culver City, CA 90230
I was blessed years ago with the opportunity to meet Ms. King when she spoke at my college. She had a tremendous gift that she shared with the world! Please pray for her family as they struggle to deal with this sudden loss.
MEMORIAL SERVICES:
ATLANTA SERVICES: Thursday, May 24th at Noon - Ebenezer Baptist Church located 407 Auburn Avenue NE in Atlanta, GA 30312 Phone: 404-688-7300
Hotel Accommodations can be made under Yolanda King Memorial $69/night:Hyatt Regency Atlanta located 65 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 404-577-1234
LOS ANGELES SERVICES: Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 7:00pm - Faithful Central Bible Church/The Tabernacle located 321 N. Eucalypts Avenue Phone: 310-330-8000
Hotel Accommodations can be make underYolanda King Memorial:
Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Airport6225 West Century BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90045 Phone: 310-670-7852
Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles Airport $99/night Wed-Sun 6101 West Century Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90045Phone: 310-642-1111
No comments:
Post a Comment