Ambassador Andrew Young

From an early age in his New Orleans neighborhood, Andrew Young learned to find common interests and to build consensus among opposing viewpoints. Young credits his father, Walter Young, with teaching him humility and patience, to lead with intellect rather than emotion. Young graduated high school from Gilbert Academy in 1947 at the age of 15 and left New Orleans to attend Howard University. After graduating from Howard University with a pre-med BS, Young changed course after a spiritual experience revealed his true purpose. Young made the decision to attend Hartford Theological Seminary. In 1952, while attending seminary and pastoring in Marion, Alabama, Young met Jean Childs, a teacher and activist, who he would later marry. While in Marion and in partnership with Jean Childs Young, Young pastored, studied the works of Gandhi, and began his work for voting rights. Young completed Hartford Theological Seminary in 1955. 

Andrew and Jean Childs Young moved to Atlanta in 1961. While a pastor in Georgia, Young organized voter registration drives and became a leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). At the SCLC, Young worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. in teaching non-violent organizing strategies as a means for full citizenship for Blacks. Young’s key work was as a strategist and negotiator. As such, he played a key role in negotiating the 1963 Birmingham desegregation agreement. Working alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders of the civil rights movement, Young contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  

In 1972, Young was elected the first Black congressman from Georgia since Reconstruction. As a congressman, Young sponsored legislation that established the United States Institute for Peace and The African Development Bank. He also led efforts to secure federal funding to establish the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), a new Atlanta highway system, and creation of Chattahoochee National Park.

In 1977 Young was appointed United States Ambassador to the United Nations by President Jimmy Carter and served in this role until 1979. Young demonstrated his understanding of the geopolitical importance of the continent of Africa and was the architect of the first U.S. Africa policy with human rights at its core. Young’s work positioned the United States as an ally and partner with countries on the continent of Africa. 

As mayor of the city of Atlanta from 1982-1990, Young pioneered the work of transforming Atlanta into an international city. As mayor, he attracted over 1,000 new businesses, created 1 million new jobs for the region, brought in 70 billion in foreign direct investment, and championed the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. He also led the implementation of major infrastructure projects, including GA-400, Freedom Parkway, and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

Young and other Atlanta leaders led the effort to bring the 1996 Olympic Games to Atlanta. Also in 1996, Young co-founded Good Works International to provide specialized insight for emerging markets in Africa and the Caribbean. That work is continued through the efforts of the Andrew J. Young Foundation which works to improve the life, health, and well-being of humanity through innovative strategies. 

Ambassador Young has received numerous honorary degree and awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1981). Young is married to Carolyn Young and is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

As an ambassador, congressman, mayor, and civil rights leader, Andrew J. Young has created a legacy of leading the fight for the human and civil rights, both nationally and internationally, providing leadership in pursuit of social justice, and creating opportunity and prosperity among those who are under-served.