Ford Motor Company Sponsors 2001 Ford Freedom Awards

                Langston Hughes to Receive Ford Freedom Award,
                Sonia Sanchez Named Ford Freedom Award Scholar

    DETROIT, Feb 21 The Charles H. Wright Museum of African
American History and Ford Motor Company are pleased to announce that
the late Langston Hughes -- one of the most prolific African American writers
of all time -- will be recognized as the 2001 Ford Freedom Award winner over a
three-day celebration scheduled for February 21 - 23, 2001, during Black
History Month.  Sonia Sanchez, poet and activist, has been named as the Ford
Freedom Award Scholar in honor of Langston Hughes and will be in Detroit to
play an active role in the three-day celebration.

    "Langston Hughes continues to influence and inspire generations of writers
and poets.  His words lift from the page with passion and vigor that
ultimately soothe because he understood how to give sublime voice to all that
we are as African Americans," said Christy Coleman president and CEO of the
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.  "Sonia Sanchez shared
with the world the struggles and triumphs of being a black woman.  We grow
with her as she explores with gripping honesty just how difficult, and
ultimately liberating, it can be to truly be yourself.  It is therefore
fitting that she is the first woman to be honored as a Ford Freedom Scholar."

    Regarded by many as one of the most important and influential African
American writer, Hughes was selected to receive the Ford Freedom Award because
of his important contributions to African American literature and the world at
large.  Hughes embraced his African American roots with such passion and
loyalty, ensuring the longevity of his copious body of work.  He was the
second African American to earn his living as a belletristic writer, a
credential that illuminates a popular and critically acclaimed life-long
career in writing in every genre.

    As the Ford Freedom Award Scholar, Sonia Sanchez will bring the legacy of
Langston Hughes to life.  As a poet and activist, Sanchez has been a poignant
voice for African American women for several generations with her passionate
poems and works of prose that touch on social issues of modern and past times.
She has also mastered the skill of presenting her poetry in a manner that
always sustains the rapt attention of her audiences.

    "The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a fundamental
educational resource for one and all," said Sandy Ulsh, vice president and
executive director, Ford Motor Company Fund.  "Partnering with the Museum for
the Ford Freedom Awards and many other projects, affords us the opportunity to
continue strengthening positive relationships in the community."

    The Ford Freedom Award program was launched in February 1999 to recognize,
posthumously, distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to
improving the African American community and world at large.  Former Detroit
Mayor Coleman A. Young was honored as the first recipient of the Ford Freedom
Award in February 1999 for his lifetime achievement in politics, civil rights
and human rights.  The Ford Freedom Award Scholar, selected from the same
discipline as the recipient, was former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young.

    In 2000, Sammy Davis Jr. was honored as the second recipient of the Ford
Freedom Award, with Gregory Hines -- actor, dancer, choreographer -- as the
Ford Freedom Award Scholar.

    The Ford Freedom Award celebration will take place over three days.  A
poetry reading featuring Sonia Sanchez is scheduled for Wednesday, February
21, 2001, to kick-off the event.  The press conference and gala dinner
honoring Hughes will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2001.  The Ford Freedom
Scholar's Lecture will be held on Friday, February 23, 2001.  Sonia Sanchez
will share her views and comments regarding the impact of Hughes' career on
African Americans, the literary community, and the world at large.  The
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is the world's largest
institution dedicated to the preservation of African American history and
culture.

    "This year's Ford Freedom Award and Scholar honor individuals who have
influenced and excelled in the area of Arts and Humanities.  Langston Hughes
and Sonia Sanchez have moved the world with their words," said Christy Coleman
president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.