Millions of music fans know Usher on a first name basis, and now hundreds of Detroit area students can say they heard his inspiring story first hand, as part of the 12th annual Ford Freedom Award program.
Usher Raymond IV gave the Scholar's Lecture to 1,500 students after being named the Ford Freedom Scholar as part of the program celebrating entrepreneurship.
"I am truly honored to be named the Ford Freedom Award Scholar and applaud the program for encouraging youth as leaders and entrepreneurs," said Usher, who also has a successful network of businesses and founded the New Look Foundation to help students gain career and leadership skills. "Young people have the power and ability to create great changes in our communities and the world. It is up to all of us to ensure youth have the support, training and mentors to make their dreams realities."
More than 1,000 students also participated in the Ford Freedom Award Essay Contest. Usher presented five awards, including the top prize of a $5,000 savings bond to Ryan Kilkka, an 8th grader at West Hills Middle School in suburban Detroit.
Ford Motor Company and The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History launched the Ford Freedom Award program in 1999 to celebrate individuals whose achievements brought lasting and positive change for African Americans and the world.
The Ford Freedom Award is presented posthumously to a distinguished African American who has dedicated their life to improving the world through their chosen field. The Ford Freedom Award Scholar is presented to an African American who has excelled in the field of the Ford Freedom Award Honoree. The late John H. Johnson, founder and publisher of Johnson Publishing, producers of Jet and Ebony magazines, was honored this year with the Ford Freedom Award.
“John H. Johnson and Usher epitomize the meaning of the Ford Freedom Award,” said Ziad Ojakli, group vice president, Government and Community Relations, Ford Motor Company. “Their achievements have benefited the individual lives of many, and communities for us all.”
