Congressman Dingell to Participate in the National Federation of the Blind Motor City March for Independence

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Congressman Dingell to Participate in the National Federation of the Blind Motor City March for Independence

Michigan Representative to Serve as Honorary Co-chair of Event

Detroit, Michigan (May 29, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind announced today that Congressman John D. Dingell, who represents Michigan’s 15th Congressional District, will serve as a co-chair for the organization’s third annual fundraising walk-a-thon event. The Motor City March for Independence will take place on the morning of July 6, 2009, as part of the National Federation of the Blind convention, which will be held in Detroit this year. Over one thousand blind people from across the nation will march to raise money to benefit blind people all over the United States and to raise awareness about the capabilities of the blind. Congressman Dingell will also address the first general session of the National Federation of the Blind convention later the same day.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “We are pleased to have Congressman Dingell as a participant in the Motor City March for Independence. As the longest-serving member in the history of the United States House of Representatives, Congressman Dingell has clearly demonstrated an outstanding commitment to public service and will be an invaluable addition to the Motor City March for Independence and the convention of the National Federation of the Blind.”

Congressman Dingell said: “I have been pleased to support many of the National Federation of the Blind’s legislative initiatives and I am delighted to support blind Americans by participating in the March for Independence."

Congressman Dingell has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1955 and is Chairman Emeritus of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He joins former Motown singer and current Detroit Councilwoman Martha Reeves and other local Detroit luminaries who have agreed to co-chair the Motor City March for Independence.

For more information about the March for Independence, including how to participate and how to sponsor a marcher, visit www.marchforindependence.org. To learn more about the National Federation of the Blind, please visit www.nfb.org.

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About the National Federation of the Blind With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
CONTACT
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
[email protected]