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NNPA gives lifetime achievement, community service awards

WASHINGTON – The National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation gave four top awards during its annual Newsmaker of the Year Awards Gala.

Civil rights dean, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, was honored as the Black Press of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the March 19 gala.

Lowery was introduced by Harry Alford, president of the National Black Chamber of Commerce as a “giant” among giants, who during the pains of Jim Crow and segregation, “didn’t kneel to Pharaoh; they didn't bend over to Caesar, they made the world change for the better.”

Lowery received a standing ovation as he made his way to the podium. His 87-year-old frame appeared strong despite a brief illness that caused him to pass out after a sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church March 15.

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