AALC will host a 70th Birthday Celebration in honor of Richmond’s own Arthur R. Ashe, Jr. at the Science Museum of Virginia on July 10, 2013 from 6:30 pm-9:00pm. The celebration will consist of a reception and brief program, followed by a ribbon-cutting and preview of the Inspirational Tour: a free educational exhibit that will share the life and legacy of Arthur Ashe using a wide variety of technology and interactive elements. The event will be co-hosted by Founder and Chairman of the AALC, Ms. Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Chewning.
Tickets for general admission to the July 10th celebration and Inspirational Tour preview are available for purchase directly from the AALC.
“My family and I are looking forward to our visit to Richmond for Arthur’s 70th birthday celebration on July 10th,” noted Charlie Pasarell, AALC Board Member, former professional tennis player and long-‐‑time friend of Arthur Ashe. “While it will be an emotional time for us, we believe that it is very important to remember and celebrate the life of this remarkable man who had such a positive impact on the world.”
Following the celebration and Inspirational Tour preview on July 10th, the Science Museum of Virginia will display the exhibit free of charge to the public from July 11-24th, 2013 during normal business hours. The Science Museum of Virginia will continue to charge regular admission for access to the rest of the museum during this time.
“Richmonders have so much admiration for the life and legacy of Arthur R. Ashe, Jr.,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “He was such a transformational leader and we are pleased that the Arthur Ashe Learning Center is bringing this educational exhibit to his home town for all to learn from and to enjoy.”
Celebration co-host Tom Chewning says he and his wife Nancy “were privileged to know Arthur Ashe and to benefit from his life of grace and service to mankind. We are excited to support the Arthur Ashe Inspirational Tour’s appearance in Richmond to enable our youth to understand the wonderful contributions he made in his all too short life. His legacy is worth preserving.”
The Inspirational Tour is suitable for all audiences and is designed to be youth and family-friendly. Exhibit themes are directly related to subjects about which Arthur Ashe cared deeply, including Sport & Tennis, Youth & Education, Service & Citizenship and Health & Wellness. The exhibit will have free accompanying educational materials to encourage visitors to learn at their own pace.
Ms. Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe adds, “We hope that Arthur’s exemplary life will send the message to visitors that through education, service and active citizenship, every kid from every walk of life, regardless of background or resources, can excel and accomplish great things.”
The Inspirational Tour’s second installation will be in New York City at the New York Hall of Science, where the exhibit will be on display from August 24- September 9, 2013. This installation will coincide with the U.S. Open.
To purchase tickets to the July 10th Celebration and inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the event and the AALC Inspirational Tour, please visit www.ArthurAshe.org. For more information on the Science Museum of Virginia, please visit http://www.smv.org/.
About the Arthur Ashe Learning Center: Inspired by Arthur Ashe’s proactive life as a conscience leader, humanitarian, educator and athlete, the Arthur Ashe Learning Center promotes his legacy to educate and motivate individuals—with an emphasis toward inspiring youth. By vividly focusinguponthe areas ofeducation, health and wellness, citizenship and self-reliance, the AALC fosters empowerment and leadership in the individual and the community, elevating their sense of purpose and quality of life. For more information about the AALC please contact Liliana.Ngo.AALC@gmail.com, by phone at 917-993- 3131, or visit us at http://www.ArthurAshe.org.