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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
 
In his own life example, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., symbolized what was right about America, what was noblest and best, what human beings have pursued since the beginnings of history. He loved unconditionally. He was in constant pursuit of truth and when he discovered it, he embraced it. His nonviolent campaign brought about redemption, reconciliation and justice. He taught that only peaceful means can bring about peaceful ends. 

Baptist Minister, Nobel Peace prize winner, brilliant orator, Dr. King never gave up hope. He never ceased to believe that the dream and dreamers would prevail. 

On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation setting aside a day each year to remember Dr. King and all he stood for. Tonight, The Equitable pays tribute to the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Accepting the award for Dr. King is Dexter Scott King. 

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OPRAH WINFREY

Hailed by Newsweek magazine as "perhaps the most spontaneous force in all of videoland," Oprah Winfrey is the popular host of the 'Oprah Winfrey Show" in Chicago. 

Formerly called "AM Chicago," the show was given its new name in September, 1985 after Ms. Winfrey raised it to the number one spot in its time period. Her show has consistently held this position, even though it aired directly opposite the popular syndicated show "Donahue."

Ms. Winfrey began her career as a reporter at WVOL Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. Then she was a reporter/anchor at Station WTAF also in Nashville. 

In 1976 Ms. Winfrey moved to Baltimore, Maryland to the ABC station WJZ-TV where she co-hosted the 6Pm news. In 1977 she co-hosted the morning show "People Are Talking." 
Ms. Winfrey made her movie debut this past Christmas in "The Color Purple" which is based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize Winning novel and directed by Steven Spielberg. Recently, she was nominated for an academy award as "Best Supporting Actress." New Yorkers will eagerly await the Fall 1986 national syndication of the "Oprah Winfrey Show." 

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ARTHUR ASHE

Former captain of the United States Davis Cup Team, Arthuer Ashe is currently an ABC commentator and contributor to "Sports Beat."

A longtime Davis Cup standout performer, Mr. Ashe's career produced an American best 27-5 record and placed him on for winning squads. As captain, the team's consecutive 1981 and '82 triumphs enabled him to join Donald Dell as the only captains in thirty years to lead U.S. teams to consecutive victories. 

Mr. Ashe's twenty year tennis career included many significant personal victories. He won the U.S. Open in 1968 as an amateur and was then ranked number one in the world. He went on to help the U.S. team defeat Australia and win its first Davis Cup in five years. There were other victories, i.e., U.S. Clay Court Championships, 1967; Australian Open, 1970; WCT, 1975; the doubles title in the French Open 1971, and the Australian Open, 1977. In 1975, Mr. Ashe overcame a seemingly invincible Jimmy Conners to win 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 at Wimbledon! 

Mr. Ashe achieved other important tennis victories before leaving the role of player in 1980, but his off-the-court accomplishments are just as impressive. He was instrumental in founding the Association of Tennis Professionals and has served as president and member of the Board of Directors. His dedication to both youth and tennis joined when he helped to found the National Junior Tennis League, a program designed to involve inner-city youths in tennis. He has donated time to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, was the 1981-82 campaign chairman of the American Heart Association and holds a fundraising event every year for the United Negro College Fund. 

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