News Release For Immediate Release 3/31/08 For further information contact: Megan Matis 317-442-1832 (cell) meganmatis@comcast.net MARTIN LUTHER KING III SET TO PRESENT AT MID-ATLANTIC AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGY CONFERENCE Cherry Hill, NJ - Adding his name to an already esteemed list of presenters, Martin Luther King, the second oldest child of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King and noted human rights advocate, community activist and a political leader, will present to the hundreds gathering on April 19, 2008, for the Mid-Atlantic African American Genealogy Conference (MAAAGC). During this unique event, nationally renowned specialists will join community members to discuss the genealogical resources and techniques available to members of the African American community from throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond who want to research their ancestors. Attendees will be able to choose from more than 20 hour-long training sessions for beginning and intermediate researchers presented by 20 of the most noted and well-respected scholars in the field today. This list also includes: . Dr. Rick Kittles, Scientific Director of African Ancestry Inc, and featured geneticist in the popular PBS specials "African American Lives" and "Finding Oprah's Roots." . Reginald Washington, African American Genealogy Specialist at the National Archives. . Khadijah Matin, National President of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. Topics, such as: Military and Slavery Records, Native American Ancestry, Internet and Technology Tools, Repositories, Research Tips and Techniques, Family Involvement, and more. Those who register in advance may also discuss questions or problems specific to their research and receive individual help during a special "brick wall" session (geared specifically for researchers who have hit a "brick wall" in their endeavors to research ancestors). For a complete list of presenters, bios and session descriptions or to pre-register yourself or your group/ organization, please visit the conference web site at: www.maaagc.com. This event is sponsored by the African American Genealogy Group, Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, The African American Museum in Philadelphia, Chick-fil-A, National Archives and Records Administration Mid-Atlantic Region, Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ### _____ Martin Luther King, III Civil Rights Activist Martin Luther King, III, the second oldest child of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, has been motivating audiences around the world with his insightful message of hope and civility for nearly twenty years. He has taken the torch lit by his father and continued the quest for equality and justice for all people. From Mozambique to Mississippi, Israel to Indiana, his message has touched thousands. A moving and popular speaker, Martin Luther King, III is equally comfortable in high school gymnasiums, corporate boardrooms, and university lecture halls. Mr. King's humble spirit and disarming wit are universally embraced. His most popular message is "The Dream Deferred," an examination of the goals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in today's society. A human rights advocate, community activist and a political leader, Mr. King has been actively involved in significant policy initiatives to maintain the fair and equitable treatment of all citizens, at home and abroad. His missions have taken him to numerous nations throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia. His messages and initiatives are all rooted within the tenets of nonviolent conflict resolution. Committed to the personal, educational and skill development of youth, he has initiated several programs throughout the years to support and nurture young people. Among them were the King Summer Intern Program to provide employment opportunities for high school students; Hoops for Health a charity basketball game intended to increase public awareness of newborn babies who suffer the effects of substance abuse; and A Call to Manhood, an annual event designed to unite young African-American males with positive adult role models. In addition to addressing many youth groups and volunteering for several youth- and young adult-oriented projects, one of Mr. King's writing projects is directed to young people. His current signature youth project is the annual Kindness and Justice Challenge sponsored by Do Something. In 2006, Mr. King began a new organization called Realizing the Dream, in efforts to get back to the core message of his father's dream, and work to end poverty in the U.S. It is a non-profit coalition force that will work across racial lines and hopes to work with governments, businesses, civic leaders and educators to bridge the growing gap between rich and poor. The organization brings together like minded groups in dialogue and cooperative effort, marshalling forces to confront poverty and injustice in America. Mr. King received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia, where he majored in Political Science. Martin Luther King, III, was nurtured among individuals deeply committed to the struggle for human rights and a nonviolent society. He has assimilated and utilized those values in his personal and public life. Shamele Jordon <mailto:jordonsh@jersey.net> jordonsh@jersey.net