Ambassador Andrew Young

1981 Solomon Carter Fuller Award Recipient

Lecture Title: Tomorrow's Psychiatrists: A Black

Ambassador Young is a prominent American figure known for his roles as a politician, diplomat, and activist. Beginning his career as a pastor, he quickly emerged as a leader in the civil rights movement, notably serving as the executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and maintaining a close relationship with Martin Luther King Jr. Later, Ambassador Young transitioned into politics, representing Georgia as a U.S. Congressman and eventually serving as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations during the Carter Administration. Additionally, he held the esteemed position of 55th Mayor of Atlanta.

Ambassador Young's political achievements are noteworthy, as he was the first African American elected to Congress from Georgia since Reconstruction. Furthermore, he was among the first two African Americans elected to Congress from the former Confederacy since Reconstruction, alongside Barbara Jordan of Texas. Following his tenure in office, Ambassador Young continued his advocacy work by founding and participating in various organizations dedicated to public policy and political lobbying.

Throughout his career, Ambassador Young has been recognized with numerous honorary awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and France's highest award, the Legion d'honneur, the NAACP Spearn Medal, and in 1981, he was the recipient of the APA's Solomon Carter Fuller Award.