August 26, 2005 - 10:30 am

Good Morning.

To Chairman Lewis, Superintendent Catroppa, distinguished platform guests, sponsors, our own woman of vision – Xernona Clayton and inductees and their families.

I bring you greetings from all who call Atlanta home.  All who have lived and worked here to make this place a city on the hill whose light brings light to the world.

This is an occasion to celebrate the contributions of a few brave and courageous souls.  People, men and women, whose personal sacrifice and commitment to justice was free of malice, greed and self promotion.  Rather, they all at great personal peril lived their lives with godly guidance. That we, the rest of us, those here and many more whom we represent, may be inspired to fight for peace, equity in the marketplace, fairness and justice in our nation and the world.

We celebrate those who made cross roads decisions that benefit us, our brothers and sisters around the world.

We, who live in this place; Atlanta, come to celebrate their legacy and to say thank you.