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Ford to Hold 17th Annual Ford Freedom Awards on May 5th

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Ford Freedom Award

On May 5th, Ford will hold the 17th Annual Ford Freedom Awards at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. This year, Ford and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will recognize three individuals who have made significant contributions to technology and entrepreneurialism— Ford Freedom Honoree Elijah McCoy, inventor; Ford Freedom Award Scholar, Laura Weidman Powers, founder of CODE2040; and special Legacy Award recipients Mitch Kapor, Lotus 1-2-3 developer, and his wife, Freada Kapor Klein, entrepreneur and social activist.


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“At Ford, we recognize the power of innovation and technology and the impact it has on making our lives better,” said Ziad Ojakli, group vice president, government and community relations, Ford Motor Company. “We are proud to honor these diverse individuals for their pioneering work, and we further salute them for sparking the imagination of our youth.”

The Ford Freedom Award recognizes distinguished African Americans who have committed themselves to improving the lives of the African American community and the world at large. This year’s honoree, McCoy was the recipient of nearly 60 patents for a number of automotive-related technologies prior to his death in 1929.

The ceremony will also honor contributions to fashion, music, and technology and will feature special guest appearances from Big Sean and Van Jones.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which is celebrating its 50-year anniversary in 2015.

More information is available at www.fordfreedomaward.com.


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