Ambassador Andrew Young Issues Challenge to Minority Automobile Dealers
17 July 2000
Accomplished Author and Long-Time Public Servant Urges Auto Dealers and Manufacturers to Help Society's Less FortunatePORTLAND, Ore. - Speaking to a capacity auditorium filled with members of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young challenged automobile dealers and car manufacturer representatives to create greater economic opportunities for society's less fortunate, specifically America's ethnic minorities. Young sprinkled his remarks with numerous personal experiences and valuable lessons learned through years as a leader of the civil rights movement, a member of Congress, mayor of Atlanta and, currently as an entrepreneur. Throughout his speech, he repeatedly communicated his message "that life's 'hard knocks' make you strong," and "that much is expected from those to whom much has been given." "When you have troubles that block your path, you have no alternative but to seek another path or a new strength," stated Ambassador Young. "Usually, it's troubles that force you to take it to the next level. Those are the kinds of lessons in life that you (automobile dealers) have obviously learned or you wouldn't be where you are today." Throughout his speech, Ambassador Young used current events, such as America's education crisis and the inability of various ethnicities to fully participate in America's economic boom, to highlight specific instances where individuals can truly make a difference. Young also detailed a number of success stories, where companies invested in economically downtrodden areas, worked to obtain community buy-in and created local jobs. By doing so, these companies defied critics who believed that profitable and sustainable development could not occur. "People who face adversity are the people who have the opportunity to see things differently, to make a new start, or to create a new industry or a new service," added Young. "Looking at the world from a new perspective and seeing how our own experiences are not problems but opportunities is the key to success in the 21st Century." Ambassador Andrew Young is the author of the acclaimed book, An Easy Burden, which details his active involvement in America's civil rights movement. Ambassador Young's keynote address was sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. The NAMAD Conference, held at the Portland Downtown Marriott, is a four-day event where minority automobile dealers (current and future) meet with automobile manufacturers and learn about the commitment manufacturers have made and will make on the number of ethnic minority dealerships. The Portland Conference marks NAMAD's 20th anniversary.