Detroit, Michigan (June 23, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind announced today that Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) will speak at the organization’s third annual civil rights march and rally. 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.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “We are pleased to have an outstanding public servant like Senator Levin show his commitment to first-class status for blind Americans by joining our March for Independence this year. We look forward to continuing to work with the Senator to achieve the full integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality.”

Senator Levin said: “As Detroit hosts the National Federation of the Blind’s annual national convention, this is Michigan’s chance to show that we fully support equality and opportunity for blind Americans. It is an honor for me to participate in the March for Independence, and I am looking forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with men and women who are so committed to this important cause.”

Senator Levin has served in the U.S. Senate since 1976 and is Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He joins former Motown singer and current Detroit Councilwoman Martha Reeves, Representative John Dingell, and other local Detroit luminaries who will participate in 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.