RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC), announced today the release of an audio anthology for children, “We Stood Up: Reflections on the Civil Rights Movement.” The new album includes excerpts from interviews with some of the most influential voices on civil rights and social change, including the late Julian Bond and Franklin McCain, as well as former Atlanta mayor, Shirley Franklin, and current Congressman, John Lewis.
In addition to the interview excerpts, the album features original songs performed by children and artists that specialize in children’s music. It was produced by Philadelphia-based Emmy Award-winning composer, Rodney Whittenberg. “We Stood Up” also includes a reading of the legendary Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird,” by her great-granddaughter Caylin Johnson, and renowned poet Sonia Sanchez recites her poem, “Catch the Fire.” The album is being released by Clamorhouse Kids, and it is available on iTunes. All proceeds from the sale of the collection will go to the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia. The educational album is also available as a free download to schools, libraries and nonprofits that serve children.
Lincoln Financial has released the anthology as part of Lincoln’s Legacy, the organization’s multiyear initiative focused on commemorating the values of its namesake, Abraham Lincoln, and the 150th anniversaries of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
“President Abraham Lincoln’s ideals are at the heart of our company, and we launched this initiative to celebrate and honor the impact of his legacy on today’s children and on generations to come,” said Dennis R. Glass, president and CEO of Lincoln Financial Group. “Education lays a strong foundation for people to nurture their aspirations and get the most out of life, and this anthology is meant to both instruct and inspire. We believe that President Lincoln would be proud to see our children embrace the educational opportunities he envisioned.”
The Lincoln’s Legacy initiative also encourages children, families and communities to share their goals for the future and the contributions they hope to make toward their own legacies.
“These remarkable stories, songs and poems are meant to be shared, and we want as many children as possible to hear them. It’s our hope that the collection inspires children to believe they can achieve great things in their own lives,” said Nancy Rogers, president of the Lincoln Financial Foundation. “Whether it’s in classrooms, in libraries, or in afterschool programs, we believe that ‘We Stood Up’ should be available wherever children are listening. That’s why we’re inviting teachers and nonprofit groups to download the album for free.”
“We are immeasurably grateful to the interviewees, the musicians and the performers that donated their time and talents to make ‘We Stood Up,’” said Allison Green, chief diversity officer at Lincoln Financial Group. “In every personal story we find reason to be optimistic and hopeful, and we are indebted to all those who have shared their stories and videos over the course of the Lincoln’s Legacy initiative.”
About “We Stood Up”
“We Stood Up” is available for free download on www.lfg.com/songsandstories or as a CD to teachers, libraries and nonprofit organizations that serve children. It is also available now on iTunes. For access to the complete anthology interviews, as well as to video of the oral histories from other contributors to the Lincoln’s Legacy initiative, please visit https://www.lfg.com/public/lincolnslegacy/oralhistories.
About Additional Teacher Resources
Teachers who visit lfg.com will also find a small selection of lesson plans for free download. These lesson plans have been written by fellow teachers and are intended to provide context and perspective to existing curriculum. Lincoln Financial will add to the collection of lesson plans during the school year – using a variety of the oral histories recorded over the past three years.
About Lincoln Financial Foundation
The Lincoln Financial Foundation, established in 1962, is a nonprofit organization formed and supported by Lincoln Financial Group. Under Lincoln Foundation guidelines, grants are made in the areas of arts, education, human services and economic/workforce development.
About Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower people to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $223 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2016. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. To sign up for email alerts, please visit our Newsroom at http://newsroom.lfg.com.
LCN-1600581-092216
