Young, Andre 3000 honored for civic, artistic work

By MASHAUN D. SIMON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Ambassador Andrew Young and Andre 3000 of Outkast were honored for their civic and innovative work during a one-day conference designed to challenge the next generation.

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Above the Edge Photography (Left to right) Producer, Bryan Michael Cox, Terrinee Briggs of CRG, Ambassador Andrew Young and Tiffany Clark of CRG. Held Saturday at the Woodruff Arts Center, Young was honored during the inaugural Power Generation Conference 2009 for his commitment to community and social activism.

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Above the Edge Photography (Left to right) Oscar Award winner Jamie Foxx is shown with the Reverend Joseph E Lowery and rapper Ludacris during the inaugural Power Generation Conference 2009. Lowery and Ludacris presented Foxx with the Phoenix Award for his work with "Learn Through Laughter."

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Held Saturday at the Woodruff Arts Center, the Collective Renaissance Guild (CRG) hosted their inaugural Power Generation Conference 2009.

“The purpose of this event was to challenge Generation X to answer President Barack Obama’s call to service,” said Angela Watts of AW Media Group. “Over 1800 attendees came out to explore various non-profit organizations for service and social entrepreneurship.”

During the event, Young was honored for his commitment to the community and social activism since the civil rights era and his continued commitment for social change, and Andre 3000 was honored for his many artistic innovations and social messages he promotes through the arts, said Watts.

“One example is Andre 3000’s creation of the Class of 3000 cartoon and stage play, which promotes arts, education, self-esteem, individuality and creativity among children,” said Watts.

In addition, rapper Ludacris and the Rev. Joseph Lowery presented Oscar Award winning actor, Jamie Foxx with the Phoenix Award for his commitment and support of the Atlanta Based non-profit “Learn Through Laughter.”

CRG identifies itself as a non-profit organization committed to cultivating community leadership, arts patronage and philanthropy.