2/17/2009 8:30:00 AMMorehouse

For More Information Contact:
February 17, 2009

Angela Buford: 216-858-6994
Charisse Ausbrook: 216-574-8143

Morehouse College President Speaks to Cleveland Youth

Cleveland, Ohio – The students of Martin Luther King Jr. Career Campus welcome prestigious Morehouse College President, Dr. Robert M. Franklin to their school. Dr. Franklin will address a group of 9th grade males that are a part of the Governor’s Initiative for Closing the Achievement Gap. Franklin’s comments will focus on the importance of African American males embracing and pursuing education on all levels and the legacy of Morehouse College.

Franklin is in Cleveland delivering an address entitled The Internationalization of American Colleges and Universities at The City Club of Cleveland later in the day. Nine of the Closing the Achievement Gap males will also travel to The City Club of Cleveland to hear Dr. Franklin speak. Fellow Morehouse alum, Basheer Jones, will accompany Dr. Franklin to his high school alma mater, MLK, following an appearance on Basheer’s morning talk radio show.

"I’m looking forward to Dr. Franklin’s visit. It’s inspirational to see and hear successful men reinforce our ability to accomplish results of the same caliber", commented 9th grade MLK student.

WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2009
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Martin Luther King Jr. Career Campus
1651 East 71st Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44103

WHAT: Morehouse College President, Dr. Robert Franklin, visits MLK

The Governor’s Initiative for Closing the Achievement Gap aims to increase the graduation rate for all 9th grade male students, with a special focus on African American students who have the highest percentage of drop out rates.