Names in the News

Duke Historian to Receive 'Here I Stand' Award

John Hope Franklin, a U.S. historian and Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, will receive the "Here I Stand" award for his leadership. The ceremony will be from 7:30 to 10 p.m. April 21 at the Lincoln Theatre, 1351 U Street.

The award, presented in honor of entertainer and activist Paul Robeson, is given annually by the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute, a Washington-based nonprofit leadership development organization. The group, which focuses on training Washington's youths, also arranges town hall meetings to engage the public on issues such as health awareness and youth violence.

Franklin is the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History at Duke University and was a professor of legal history in the law school for seven years. The awards ceremony will include an interview of Franklin by Ron Walters, director of the African American Leadership Institute and professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland.

Mezzo-soprano and civil rights pioneer Barbara Smith Conrad is scheduled to perform a brief recital of selections from Robeson and Marian Anderson's concert repertoire. Candice Hoyles, who was placed second in this year's Paul Robeson Vocal Competition, also is set to participate.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster locations, the Lincoln Theatre box office and the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute.

Arab Americans to Present Kahlil Gibran Awards

The Arab American Institute and the Arab American Institute Foundation will honor five individuals and organizations, including two local groups and a Washington Post reporter, for their efforts to promote understanding and raise awareness of regions torn apart by war and poverty.

The ninth annual Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards will be presented at a gala April 25 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington to the following recipients: Search for Common Ground and Global Impact, both based in Washington; Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Washington Post reporter Anthony Shadid; and Teresa Isaac, former mayor of Lexington, Ky.

Proceeds from the gala will support programs of the Arab American Institute Foundation, a nonprofit affiliate of the Arab American Institute, whose purpose is to promote greater awareness of the Arab American community and to support educational programs for Arab Americans. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m.; the gala starts at 6:30 p.m. General admission price is $200; student admission is $75. Reserved tables for 10 guests are for $2,500.

'News4 Today' Co-Anchor Honorary MS Chairwoman

Shannon Bream , co-anchor of the weekend editions of "News4 Today" and a general assignment reporter at the station, will serve as honorary chairwoman of two upcoming walks to raise money for multiple sclerosis research.

The 19th Annual MS Walk, sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton, will be April 14 in the District, Manassas, Oxon Hill and Potomac -- at varying lengths and start times. The walk will be April 15 in Reston and Bowie.

The MS Challenge Walk, sponsored by Security Storage, is a three-day, 50-mile walk, Sept. 28 through Sept. 30. Together, the walks are expected to raise more than $2 million to fight the potentially crippling disease.

The fundraiser will benefit the National Capital Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which provides vital services to those affected by MS. The services include counseling, education, employment, information and referrals, public policy development and advocacy, as well as financial assistance to more than 6,000 local people with the disease and their families.

For more information about MS and the National Capital Chapter, call 202-296-5363 or visit http://www.MSandYOU.org .

-- Compiled by DANIELE SEISS