Ambassador Andrew Young Issues Challenge to Minority Automobile Dealers

17 July 2000

    PORTLAND, Ore. - Speaking to a capacity auditorium filled with members of 
the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), former United 
Nations Ambassador Andrew Young challenged automobile dealers and car 
manufacturer representatives to create greater economic opportunities for 
society's less fortunate, specifically America's ethnic minorities.  Young 
sprinkled his remarks with numerous personal experiences and valuable lessons 
learned through years as a leader of the civil rights movement, a member of 
Congress, mayor of Atlanta and, currently as an entrepreneur.  Throughout his 
speech, he repeatedly communicated his message "that life's 'hard knocks' make 
you strong," and "that much is expected from those to whom much has been 
given."

    "When you have troubles that block your path, you have no alternative but
to seek another path or a new strength," stated Ambassador Young.  "Usually,
it's troubles that force you to take it to the next level.  Those are the
kinds of lessons in life that you (automobile dealers) have obviously learned
or you wouldn't be where you are today."

    Throughout his speech, Ambassador Young used current events, such as
America's education crisis and the inability of various ethnicities to fully
participate in America's economic boom, to highlight specific instances where
individuals can truly make a difference.  Young also detailed a number of
success stories, where companies invested in economically downtrodden areas,
worked to obtain community buy-in and created local jobs.  By doing so, these
companies defied critics who believed that profitable and sustainable
development could not occur.

    "People who face adversity are the people who have the opportunity to see
things differently, to make a new start, or to create a new industry or a new
service," added Young.  "Looking at the world from a new perspective and
seeing how our own experiences are not problems but opportunities is the key
to success in the 21st Century."

    Ambassador Andrew Young is the author of the acclaimed book, An Easy
Burden, which details his active involvement in America's civil rights
movement.

    Ambassador Young's keynote address was sponsored by American Honda Motor
Co., Inc.  The NAMAD Conference, held at the Portland Downtown Marriott, is a
four-day event where minority automobile dealers (current and future) meet
with automobile manufacturers and learn about the commitment manufacturers
have made and will make on the number of ethnic minority dealerships.  The
Portland Conference marks NAMAD's 20th anniversary.