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John Lewis, Gloria Steinem among Emory award-winners

James Weldon Johnson Medals to be awarded to 6, including Alice Walker, Myrlie Evers Williams
Oct 28, 2009

Georgia Congressman John Lewis and women’s rights advocate Gloria Steinem will be among six people honored by Emory University next week.

The James Weldon Johnson Medals honor the legacy of the writer and civil rights leader by awarding individuals who have achieved great heights.

This year’s winners will be feted at a Nov. 4 ceremony at the Carter Center. They include John Lewis and Myrlie Evers Williams, widow of murdered civil rights leader Medgar Evers, for their civil rights work; Steinem, for journalism; and author Alice Walker, for literature.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and E. Neville Isdell, former Coca-Cola Co. CEO, each will receive the first humanitarian award medals.

On Nov. 5, the medalists will participate in a panel discussion on the Emory campus. For more information, or to buy a ticket to the events, visit www.alumni.emory.edu/johnsonmedal or call 404-727-2515.

-- April Hunt

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