National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest organization of the blind in the United States, will hold its third March for Independence on July 6 in Detroit, Michigan. The Motor City March for Independence is a 5K walk held as part of the National Federation of the Blind convention, which will take place in Detroit this year. Over one thousand blind Americans, their friends and families, and other supporters will march to raise money to benefit blind people all over the United States and to raise awareness about the capabilities of the blind. The march will start at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, continue along the beautiful Detroit RiverWalk, and culminate in an inspiring rally at Rivard Plaza and Pavilion.
Highlights of the march will include addresses by NFB President Dr. Marc Maurer and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. Congressman John Dingell is serving as an honorary co-chair of the event. Motown singer and current Detroit Councilwoman Martha Reeves, also serving as an honorary co-chair of the event, will perform live as part of the rally. The Honorable Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, will also address the rally. Following the march and rally, the participants will return to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, where President Maurer will sound his gavel to bring the convention to order for its opening session.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are thrilled to have our convention in the Motor City and pleased to have so many of Detroit's most outstanding leaders marching alongside us on July 6. The March for Independence is our way of demonstrating to the public that we are equal participants in society and that we are determined to make for ourselves a future full of opportunity."
The March for Independence is sponsored by Pepsi, Deque Systems, Inc., Vode Lighting LLC, American Printing House for the Blind, and the Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For more information about the March for Independence, including how to participate and how to sponsor a marcher, visit www.marchforindependence.org. To learn more about the National Federation of the Blind, please visit www.nfb.org.
About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
CONTACT: Chris Danielsen, Director of Public Relations of the NationalFederation of the Blind, +1-410-659-9314, extension 2330, Cell: +1-410-262-1281, [email protected]
Web site: http://www.nfb.org/http://www.marchforindependence.org/