Ford Motor Company Fund Participates in Historic National MLK Memorial Groundbreaking

Ford Motor Company Fund participated in the historic groundbreaking of the National Martin Luther King Monument to be erected in the last open space on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) November 14, 2006 -- Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, was proud to have been an integral partner in yesterday's groundbreaking for a national memorial to honor Martin Luther King Jr. The King Memorial -- the last open space on the National Mall -- will be situated adjacent to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and in a direct line of sight of the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials and the White House. It is scheduled to be completed in 2008.

Ford Motor Company's support for the construction of this memorial was indicative of its other contributions in the African American community, such as Ford's support of the African American Experience Fund of the National Parks Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving African American sites in the national parks, and also Ford's support of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.

Participating in yesterday's groundbreaking ceremony was Ziad Ojakli, Ford Motor Company's Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs, who was invited to join a diverse group on hand to turn the first shovels of dirt. Ford's role in this historic land dedication underscores its commitment to preserving Dr. King's vision and his legacy.

Also scheduled to appear were President George W. Bush, former President William Jefferson Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, America's famed novelist Dr. Maya Angelou, and other important dignitaries. The event was estimated to draw more than 5,000 VIPs and public citizens.

Ford Motor Company Fund is a not-for-profit corporation organized in 1949. Made possible by Ford Motor Company profits, Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that enhance and improve opportunities for those who live in the communities where Ford Motor Company operates. Ford Motor Company Fund is committed to creating educational opportunities that stimulate creativity and promote cultural diversity. In 2005, Ford Motor Company Fund-supported organizations received nearly $80 million. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund, visit www.ford.com/go/fordfund.

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