Diverse Issues in Higher Education
by DAN SEWELL, Associated Press Writer
Jun 22, 2009, 08:57
CINCINNATI
The push for racial equality is far from over, in sports and in everyday life, former President Bill Clinton told a crowd at Major League Baseball's Beacon Awards on Saturday, part of MLB’s Civil Rights Game.
Clinton, who as president took part in baseball's ceremony retiring Jackie Robinson's No. 42 uniform number in 1997, spoke at a luncheon honoring Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, Muhammad Ali, and entertainer Bill Cosby for the trio’s contributions to civil rights and charitable works.
The former president told the crowd that, despite the election of Barack Obama as president, problems remain that disproportionately hit minorities. Clinton cited unemployment, the mortgage crisis, the high cost of college, and access to health care among continuing issues.
“A lot of people might be tempted to believe that the struggle which both produced these three giants of sports and comedy and gave them the power to help so many others, that struggle for racial equality is over,” Clinton said.
"But I really came here to say, if you want to honor Hank Aaron and Muhammad Ali and Bill Cosby, you must first recognize that this struggle is nowhere near over," he said.
The luncheon was among events leading to Saturday night's first regular-season Civil Rights Game, between the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds.
Ali, whose long battle with Parkinson's disease has limited his physical activity, remained seated as fellow former boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard presented him his award. Ali looked it over as his wife, Lonnie, spoke on his behalf.
Cosby had the crowd roaring during his acceptance speech and urged the audience to make sure new generations know what Ali, Aaron and others had to overcome to be successful, and that there is more to be overcome.
“This is not a time to rest,” Cosby said.
Full Story: http://diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_12662.shtml
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