ATLANTA (June 25, 2007) – Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. has given $1 million to the Center for Civil and Human Rights (CCHR) Partnership to fund pre-development activities related to building the Center, which is scheduled to open in 2010.
The gift is being used to support pre-development activities including hiring initial staff and consultants, funding the work of the Content Council in developing the content plan, and raising funds to support the construction and operation of the Center.
“We are thrilled to have the support of Turner in this effort,” said Doug Shipman, Executive Director of the CCHR Partnership. “Turner Broadcasting has been supportive of this effort beginning in 2005 in helping to coordinate our initial work. This visionary gift has allowed us to build on the momentum from the release of the Working Group Report in 2006.”
“Turner has long been a strong supporter of Atlanta and new developments in our city specifically downtown,” said A.J. Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress. “This gift has allowed us to move the Center forward much faster than we might have without their support.”
“Turner is a great corporate citizen in Atlanta and this is just the latest example,” said Mayor Shirley Franklin. “The team there realizes the importance of being involved and we all appreciate their support.”
“With this gift, we are proud to demonstrate our continuing commitment to Atlanta and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and support the vision and leadership of a project all Atlantans can be proud of, “ said Phil Kent, chairman and CEO, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
The gift is being administered by Capacity, Inc., the 501(c)(3) arm of Central Atlanta Progress and will sustain the pre-development effort throughout 2007. The gift is the first financial support received by the CCHR Partnership.
The Center for Civil and Human Rights will commemorate the groundbreaking contributions of Atlantans and Georgians to the historic struggle for African-American freedom and equality. It will also serve as a space for ongoing dialogue, study and contributions to the resolution of current and future freedom struggles of all people at the local, national and international level.