By:Betty Coker, Editor in Chief For World Liberty TV

Retired Gen. Colin L. Powell became America’s Promise’s Founding Chairman – leading the movement that arose from the Presidents’ Summit. Both General Powell and his wife, Alma, were highly respected as advocates for children and as leaders who transcend partisan politics. That respect, in turn, aided the effort to enlist alliance partners that would be essential to the cause. Impressed by the zeal of those who joined the effort, General Powell was eager to launch the campaign. “It’s good to have an army again,” he said.

Today, Alma Powell serves as Chair of America’s Promise. As Mrs. Powell has told audiences across the country, her grandfather was born into slavery, and her grandmother was born just after slavery ended. Against enormous odds, both earned college degrees — then saw their five children through college, too. In the process, they altered the course of her family.

For adults and children alike, Mrs. Powell’s story is a testament to the truths that are essential to our work: History is not destiny and education builds pathways.

America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest network dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth, welcomes two-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter and 2017 Promise Hero honoree, Andra Day; Grammy-award winning saxophonist, Kenny G; and five-time winner of the Apollo Theater’s rising new star award, saxophonist Austin Paul, Jr. at the third annual Promise Night Gala in NYC.

Andra Day will sing her motivational anthem “Rise Up” with Harlem’s Boys & Girls Harbor Choir.

Promise Night honorees exemplify how leaders from business, entertainment, government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector can each have a role in improving the lives of America’s youth.

America’s Promise Founding Chair Gen. Colin Powell and Chair Alma Powell will present several awards throughout the event.

This year’s Promise of America honorees included:

Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman and CEO, American Express Company

 

Common, hip-hop artist, actor, film producer, and founder of the Common Ground Foundation

Arne Duncan, managing partner, Emerson Collective

Bryan Stevenson, executive director, Equal Justice Initiative

Dorothy Stoneman, founder, YouthBuild

Promise Hero honorees include: Andra Day and New England Patriot and Founder of Reading with Malcolm initiative, Malcolm Mitchell.

A salute by the Children of  Gen. Colin Powell and Chair Alma Powell were done for their mother and father and there 20 years of Contribution to America’s Promise Alliance.

See More about Recommit to Kids The Summit for America’s Future & Promise Night Gala-2017 in World Liberty TV Humanitarian Channel by Clicking here.