Embassy News

Former Aide to Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Elbert Ransom, Visits Turkmenistan for African-American History Commemorations

PAS No 174
March 7, 2007

Dr. Elbert Ransom

Ashgabat, March 7, 2007 – The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat is pleased to announce that Dr. Elbert Ransom, an International Forum Facilitator and Trainer on racial and cultural dialogue, as well as a veteran of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement arrived in Ashgabat today as a visitor under the U.S. State Department's speakers program in honor of African-American history month.  Dr. Ransom worked as an aide to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s including work as an organizer of the Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the struggle for the rights of African-Americans.  Today, Dr. Ransom is the owner and president of REACH, Inc., an international human relations firm which seeks to improve racial and cultural understanding.

During his eight-day visit to Turkmenistan, Dr. Ransom will speak to various government and non-governmental groups about positive cultural and racial relations and his experience in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.  On Thursday, March 8th at 6:30 pm at the Magtymguly Music and Drama Theater in Ashgabat, Dr. Ransom will open the African-American Film Festival.

Dr. Ransom will be available for interviews with news media during his time in Turkmenistan.  Media representatives may request an interview with Dr. Ransom by contacting the U.S. Embassy Information and Media Assistant, Meylis Hummedov, ph. 36-13-65.