The Living Legacy of Andrew Young: A Conversation at NABJ Convention 2023

Birmingham, August 03, 2023 - Andrew Young, the revered civil rights icon, continues to inspire and educate new generations through the written word. Renowned Race and Culture Journalist Ernie Suggs has forged a deep connection with Young, culminating in the publication of the enlightening biography, "The Many Lives of Andrew Young." At the National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) Convention 2023, Suggs engaged in a thought-provoking session with Young, shedding light on this powerful literary work.

NABJ, an organization dedicated to fostering the talents of black journalists nationwide, annually hosts a convention that brings together members and associates from across the country. This year's gathering boasted an impressive attendance of over 4,000 black journalists, providing a touching backdrop for the conversation between Suggs and Young.

One remarkable anecdote shared by Young harkens back to his tenure as the mayor of Atlanta from 1982 to 1990. During this time, he addressed a crowd of approximately 300 black journalists. His message? "You can't let a small group of smart-ass white boys take over the country." Young's words carried the weight of a profound truth - the power of unity between black journalists and African Americans in politics. It was a time when black journalists sought to convey stories from a perspective that truly represented their community.

Young's academic journey began at Howard University in Washington, D.C., a historically black institution. Reflecting on his college experience, Young remarked, "I graduated too young, and I really felt guilty when they gave me a diploma. Because I said I don't know anything. I ain't never done anything, and here I am a college graduate." Little did he know that this young graduate would go on to achieve remarkable feats, becoming a U.S. Ambassador, a pastor of several black churches, a close collaborator with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the founder of his own foundation, and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Before the book session commenced, Suggs shared his motivation for documenting Andrew Young's extraordinary life. He confessed to having followed Young's journey throughout his own life and described Young as not just a source of inspiration but also a mentor and a fraternity brother. Suggs wanted to ensure that every facet of Young's multifaceted life was captured within the pages of his biography, "The Many Lives of Andrew Young."

For those who missed the opportunity to purchase the book at the NABJ Bookstore during the convention, "The Many Lives of Andrew Young" is readily available for purchase online through Amazon.com. This compelling biography serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Andrew Young, a man whose life's work continues to shape and inspire future generations in the realms of politics, civil rights, and journalism.

As the NABJ Convention 2023 draws to a close, the words and wisdom of Andrew Young remain a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling and unity within the black community.