Look To The Stars News: Nelson Mandela

Kofi Annan Takes Over As Chair Of The Elders

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary-General and Chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation, has been appointed to take over from Archbishop Desmond Tutu as Chair of The Elders with immediate effect.

The decision was unanimously reached by the Elders at their latest biannual meeting in Ireland last week. Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, will become Deputy Chair of the organisation.

Archbishop Tutu, who was Chair of The Elders since the group was convened by Nelson Mandela in 2007, had announced his intention to step down. He will remain as an honorary Elder.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10169-kofi-annan-takes-over-as-chair-of-the-elders

Robert De Niro Attends Midnight Moment Tribute To Nelson Mandela

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:30:00 +0000

Montblanc celebrated their partnership with “Midnight Moment: A Digital Gallery,” with a tribute to Nelson Mandela at a viewing reception with Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, Craig Hatkoff and Ndaba and Kweku Mandela, two of Nelson Mandela’s grandsons, at the R-Lounge in Times Square last week.

Robert de Niro attends the Montblanc-powered Midnight Moment reception.

The reception included unparalleled views of the “Midnight Moment” screens with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Times Square, where guests enjoyed a first hand viewing of “The Power of Words” showcase.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10097-robert-de-niro-attends-midnight-moment-tribute-to-nelson-mandela

Placido Domingo Named As UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 13:45:00 +0000

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, appointed world-famous tenor and conductor Placido Domingo as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador at last night’s Education For All event.

Placido Domingo’s appointment comes in recognition for his “exceptional artistic career, his inestimable support for young opera musicians through the Operalia competition, and his dedication to the values and ideals of UNESCO.”

During the event, Placido Domingo presented winners of his Operalia competition and musicians involved in his development programme at the Washington Opera. Sopranos Micaëla Oeste and Angel Blue performed jazz, Broadway and opera favourites with pianist Timothy End. UNESCO Artist for Peace Ino Mirkovic, violin, and Ksenia Kogan; piano, also performed on this occasion.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9313-placido-domingo-named-as-unesco-goodwill-ambassador

Muhammad Ali Awarded National Constitution Center Liberty Medal

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:30:00 +0000

A true champion of freedom, Muhammad Ali received the National Constitution Center’s 2012 Liberty Medal last week in a star-studded ceremony marking the nationwide celebration of the U.S. Constitution’s 225th anniversary.

During the event, Ali was hailed as a living embodiment of the Constitution who exemplifies everything the award was established to honor: individuals of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe.

Ali’s daughter, professional boxer Laila Ali, joined 2012 Olympic gold medalists Claressa Shields and Susan Francia to present the prestigious medal to fellow Olympic gold medalist Muhammad Ali. The public ceremony took place at 7:00 p.m. at the National Constitution Center on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8949-muhammad-ali-awarded-national-constitution-center-liberty-medal

Annie Lennox Speaks At International AIDS Conference

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox spoke at a Parliamentary Meeting as part of the 19th International AIDS Conference on Monday, July 23.

“I’d like to share the story with you as to how I became an AIDS campaigner and activist,” she said. "In November of 2003 I was invited to take part in a special concert held in Cape Town South Africa, to launch Nelson Mandela's HIV Foundation, 46664.

“The day after the concert, all the artists were asked to join Mandela for an international press conference held in Robben Island, the place of his incarceration for the most part of 27 years.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8705-annie-lennox-speaks-at-international-aids-conference

Stars Pledge Their Time On Nelson Mandela's Birthday

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:30:00 +0000

July 18th is Nelson Mandela's birthday – a day when anyone can pledge 67 mins of time, in recognition of his 67 years of public service.

Supported by the UN and global stars such as The Elders, One Direction, Desmond Tutu, Lewis Hamilton, Eddie Izzard and Manchester United, you can join millions more building a global movement for good by pledging your own time.

To find out more about how you can be a part of the events around the world, click here.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8659-stars-pledge-their-time-on-nelson-mandelas-birthday

The Elders Visit Sudanese Refugees

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Nobel Peace Prize laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Martti Ahtisaari, a former Finnish president, visited Sudanese refugees this weekend in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state along with Mary Robinson, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The three visited Yusuf Batil Camp on Sunday as members of The Elders, an independent grouping of 12 respected public figures dedicated to promoting peace and human rights and to finding solutions for other global problems. The organization was set up in 2007 by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, musician Peter Gabriel and former South African President Nelson Mandela.

The day before South Sudan’s one-year independence anniversary, the refugees told the visitors about their flight from villages in Sudan’s Blue Nile state to escape fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North and the challenges and difficulties they now face.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8623-the-elders-visit-sudanese-refugees

Muhammad Ali To Be Honored With Liberty Medal

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:30:00 +0000

As the centerpiece of the nationwide celebration of the U.S. Constitution’s 225th anniversary, the National Constitution Center’s 2012 Liberty Medal ceremony will recognize Muhammad Ali as a champion of freedom.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter joined National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner at a special announcement this afternoon, during which Liberty Medal sponsors and partners praised Muhammad Ali as a living embodiment of the Constitution who exemplifies everything the award was established to honor: individuals of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe.

Ali will receive the medal in a public ceremony on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the National Constitution Center on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia. Action News Anchorman Jim Gardner will host the live broadcast of the Liberty Medal ceremony on WPVI-TV/6abc. The event also will be streamed live on www.6abc.com.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8617-muhammad-ali-to-be-honored-with-liberty-medal

Eddie Izzard Announces Marathon Challenge

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Comedian Eddie Izzard has announced that he will once again run a series of marathons, this time as a tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Planned for the summer, Izzard will attempt to run 27 marathons in 27 days representing the 27 years Mandela spent in prison.

Better known for comedy than athletic prowess, Izzard’s last foray into a series of marathons was in 2009, which raised over 200 thousand pounds for Sport Relief. Arriving at the finish line in London after 1,100 miles, Izzard said, “I’ve run the fastest marathon I’ve ever run, which is not incredibly fast time, but I have run 43 marathons now in 51 days, and so I don’t really care anymore. And I’m cold.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8374-eddie-izzard-announces-marathon-challenge

Manta Rays Get Celebrity Names In Mozambique

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Mozambique is a goldmine for marine megafauna researchers. Unlike other locations in the world where elusive giant manta rays and whale sharks only appear periodically, such as at times of high plankton availability for feeding, Mozambique’s coastline is home to these enormous animals year round.

This constant access to marine megafauna provides a unique opportunity for researchers to better study these graceful giants and create an in-depth library of data. The ability to record the populations and to study their habits and biological and ecological data means that the conservation requirements of these threatened species can be determined with authority and thus presented to policy makers.

Tofo researchers Dr Simon Pierce, who specializes in whale sharks, and Dr Andrea Marshall, founder of Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna and a world-leading specialist in manta rays, have been recording identities using the animals’ markings, which are as individual as human fingerprints.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8272-manta-rays-get-celebrity-names-in-mozambique

Nelson Mandela Tweets Support For Earth Hour

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:30:00 +0000

As the largest ever WWF Earth Hour wraps up across Asia, Nelson Mandela has taken to Twitter to express his support for the cause to unite the world to protect the planet.

“Let us stand together to make of our world a sustainable source for our future as humanity on this planet,” the anti-apartheid hero and former President of South Africa tweeted. At the same time, Earth Hour’s I Will If You Will campaign went viral, engaging tens of thousands of people to Dare the World to Save the Planet.

The challenge platform hosted at www.youtube.com/earthhour is receiving an estimated 20,000 visits per minute from people all over the world and has reached 2 million views in the last 14 hours. More than 100,000 visitors have now accepted the 80 feature challenges from celebrities, governments, organizations and individuals including global ambassador Miranda Kerr, Kumi Naidoo from Greenpeace International, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, Latin American ambassador Claudia Bahamón, TV stars Giuliana and Bill Rancic, actress Isabel Lucas and local WWF ambassadors Nadya Hutagalung and Marc Nelson. More than 2000 unique challenges have been created, which will take Earth Hour participation for the benefit of our one fragile planet well “beyond the hour”.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8127-nelson-mandela-tweets-support-for-earth-hour

Oprah Attends Graduation Of Leadership Students In South Africa

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey was in South Africa over the weekend to attend the first graduation of 72 students from her Leadership Academy for Girls.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa opened in 2007 with 150 low-income seventh-and-eighth graders, the school now enrolls about 300.

Both Oprah and Graca Machel (humanitarian and wife of Nelson Mandela) addressed the girls at the graduation. Mandela inspired Oprah to open the $40 million school in 2007.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7680-oprah-attends-graduation-of-leadership-students-in-south-africa

UNICEF Honors Sting And Trudie Styler With Children's Champion Award

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:30:00 +0000

On Thursday, October 20 the U.S. Fund for UNICEF presented Sting and UNICEF UK Ambassador Trudie Styler with its annual Children’s Champion Award.

This year’s award recipients were honored for their commitment to improving children’s lives and the environment. The evening’s celebration was a fundraising event co-chaired by Alli and Bill Achtmeyer, Barrie and Kevin Landry, and Elaine and Bobby Sager that brought in a record $1.15 million for UNICEF’s global child survival programs.

Sting and Styler, a UK UNICEF Ambassador since 2004, strive to make a difference for children around the world and protect the environment through numerous public efforts. From raising funds and awareness for the UNICEF End Child Exploitation and United Against AIDS campaigns to visiting tsunami-affected Sri Lanka in solidarity with those affected by the devastating disaster, Styler has been a leading voice on behalf of some of the poorest and most vulnerable children on earth. In November 2005, she received the highest accolade bestowed on a UNICEF Ambassador—the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award—for her commitment to the world’s children.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7207-unicef-honors-sting-and-trudie-styler-with-childrens-champion-award

Alfre Woodard To Attend Desmond Tutu Book Event

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Alfre Woodard, Deborah Santana, Sharon Gelman, Kitsaun King, Marlene Saritzky and noted guests will attend an afternoon of food, drink, enjoyment and a special program on October 30, where Artists for a New South Africa pays tribute from afar to Desmond Tutu.

The event will celebrate the publication of Tutu: Authorized, an extraordinary new book, celebrating eighty years of Archbishop Tutu’s life,

The book features interviews with President Barack Obama, Kofi Annan, Aung San Suu Kyi and ANSA supporters Harry Belafonte, Jackson Browne, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Hugh Masekela, Deborah Santana, Blair Underwood, Alfre Woodard and many more.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7137-alfre-woodard-to-attend-desmond-tutu-book-event

Stephen Fry Attends Celebrity Charity Event For Freddie Mercury's Birthday

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Stephen Fry, Fearne Cotton and Matt Lucas were some of the stars who turned out at a charity event in London on Monday to celebrate the 65th birthday of the late great Freddie Mercury.

Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor also attended the event – held at the Savoy Hotel – to raise money for the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

“Freddie would have been 65 this year, and even though physically he is not here, his presence seems more potent than ever,” wrote Queen guitarist Brian May in a special Google Blog. “Freddie made the last person at the back of the furthest stand in a stadium feel that he was connected. He gave people proof that a man could achieve his dreams—made them feel that through him they were overcoming their own shyness, and becoming the powerful figure of their ambitions. And he lived life to the full. He devoured life. He celebrated every minute. And, like a great comet, he left a luminous trail which will sparkle for many a generation to come.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6898-stephen-fry-attends-celebrity-charity-event-for-freddie-mercurys-birthday

Be Freddie Mercury For A Day For Charity

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The unique opportunity to invest in some of the most prized Freddie Mercury and Queen related memorabilia presents itself next month as part of the grand plans being made by former band mates Brian May and Roger Taylor and Freddie’s own family to celebrate the late singer’s 65th birthday on September 5th.

Brian May Signed Guitar

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6817-be-freddie-mercury-for-a-day-for-charity

Amy Winehouse's Charity Legacy

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 03:45:00 +0000

British singer Amy Winehouse passed away this weekend at the age of 27, leaving behind an unsurpassed musical and charity legacy.

Best known for her albums Frank and Back To Black, the soul singer shot to fame in 2003 with a series of amazing singles highlighting her unique talents, as well as her incomparable style.

In 2008, she appeared naked in Easy Living magazine to raise awareness of breast cancer, a cause she supported throughout her career. She performed her hits Rehab and Valerie later that year at Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concert in London.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6662-amy-winehouses-charity-legacy

Annie Lennox Talks HIV At UN Headquarters

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:30:00 +0000

On June 7, Annie Lennox addressed the HIV Priorities for Positive Change: In Women’s Words at UN Headquarters in New York.

“In November 2003 I had the privilege to take part in a special concert in Cape Town, South Africa, to launch Nelson Mandela's HIV Aids campaign, 46664," she said in her speech. "The following day, all the artists were invited to join with him on Robbin island, where he addressed an assemblage of international press, describing the AIDS pandemic as a virtual genocide… which was affecting women and girls in South Africa and the rest of the Sub Saharan continent on a catastrophic level.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6432-annie-lennox-talks-hiv-at-un-headquarters

Help Free The Children With Richard Branson

Wed, 25 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

CharityBuzz.com is currently running a celebrity charity auction that will see two lucky people join Richard Branson at a special cocktail party in Miami on June 25.

According to the charity auction website: "Richard Branson is possibly the most-fascinating man of our time: entrepreneur, explorer, multi-billionaire. And every man on the street we asked in our informal public opinion poll of Branson’s image agrees — he seems a great guy, someone you’d love to have a beer with and hangout. Maybe it’s his disarming charm, likability and devilish smile. Being a committed environmentalist and philanthropist doesn’t hurt either.

“It would seem that with literally hundreds of business irons in the fire, charity and change for good might take a back seat. Not so. The list of well-organized and well-funded efforts for social good is substantial, and it’s no surprise that Branson’s entrepreneurial approach to social change means more bang for the buck, or pound as it were:

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6353-help-free-the-children-with-richard-branson

Britain's Happy List Honors Those Who Make World A Better Place

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Britain’s Independent on Sunday newspaper has released it’s annual Happy 100 List for 2011, which includes some familiar names for readers of LookToTheStars.org.

The IoS Happy List began in 2008, and lets readers of the paper vote for the people they believe make Britain a better and happier place to live.

Included in this year’s list are:

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6297-britains-happy-list-honors-those-who-make-world-a-better-place

Nelson Mandela Charity Announces Clothing Brand

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

46664 has announced that it will soon be releasing a special clothing brand.

Speaking at a press conference, 46664 board member Achmat Dangor encouraged people to buy the new clothing line:"When you buy a 46664 shirt, you are not just buying apparel, you are investing in a process that will help spread the legacy of Nelson Mandela by supporting the long-term sustainability 46664. You will also be empowering young people in communities out there and creating a platform for global change."

Nelson Mandela Polo Shirts

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5967-nelson-mandela-charity-announces-clothing-brand

Annie Lennox Returns From Charity Trip To Malawi

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Singer Annie Lennox visited Malawi last month as part of her role as special envoy for the Scottish branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPASB).

Annie Lennox Serves Porridge in Malawi
Credit/Copyright: Mary's Meals

Lennox was joined by the Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alex Fergusson MSP, for the five day visit which ran from 13-18 February. During the trip, they visited various projects with Scottish links, including schools, feeding centres and hospitals.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5966-annie-lennox-returns-from-charity-trip-to-malawi

Simon Cowell, Helena Bonham Carter Believe No Child Born to Die

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Helena Bonham Carter has offered her voice to the latest awareness campaign for Save the Children.

The campaign, No Child Born to Die, features the reactions of children in villages in Lindi, Tanzania as they view inspirational clips of David Beckham, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela, among others.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5703-simon-cowell-helena-bonham-carter-believe-no-child-born-to-die

Annie Lennox Releases Christmas Album For Charity

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

One of the most successful, iconic and talented artists of the late 20th century is back – and back like you’ve never heard her before.

On November 15th 2010, Annie Lennox released her sixth solo album. A Christmas Cornucopia is a collection of new, inspired interpretations of 11 traditional festive songs, rounded out by a new Lennox composition, Universal Child, available digitally from 12th October.

“All the income that I earn from Universal Child will be paid to the Annie Lennox Foundation.” The Annie Lennox Foundation raises money for projects supporting and educating women and children in Africa with HIV/AIDS.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5372-annie-lennox-releases-christmas-album-for-charity

Nelson Mandela: Conversations With Myself

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The Nelson Mandela Foundation is proud to announce that a new book by Nelson Mandela, Conversations with Myself, will be released worldwide in 22 editions and 20 languages from October 12, 2010.

With a foreword by President Barack Obama, Conversations with Myself is an intimate journey from the first stirrings of Mr Mandela’s political consciousness to his galvanising role on the world stage. It is a rare chance to spend time with Nelson Mandela the man, in his own voice: direct, clear and private.

Compiled by the Nelson Mandela Foundation Centre of Memory and Dialogue, Conversations with Myself gives readers access to the private man behind the public figure: from letters written in the darkest hours of Mr Mandela’s twenty-seven years of imprisonment to the draft of an unfinished sequel to his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5212-nelson-mandela-conversations-with-myself