For Immediate Release January 12, 1996

Contact: Debra Ladner - Office of Tibet -Tel: 212-213-5010

The International House of Blues Foundation will host its second annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration on Monday, January 15, 1996 at the House of Blues in Hollywood, California. The program will highlight the accomplishments of the late Dr. Martin Luther King with an emphasis on individual and collective responsibilities toward establishing racial equality, a harmonious humanity, and peace.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is receiving the "Spirit of the Dream" award for "his tireless efforts to free Tibet and all of humanity from the yolk of injustice and violence". This Award is given annually to individuals who exemplify the dedication, principles, and beliefs of the late, great Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The International House of Blues Foundation is also honoring Thich Nhat Hanh; Jack Healey, Executive Director of Human Rights Action Center; and Lou Rawis. Representative Rinchen Dharlo will receive the award and participate in the event on behalf of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has sent a message, expressing his hope that through the path of non-violence, as practiced by Dr. King, the people of Tibet may win their freedom. He writes, "Today, after more than forty years of Chinese occupation, the circumstances of my people in Tibet is very like that of the African Americans for whom Dr. Martin Luther King struggled. They have become an oppressed minority in their own land. Therefore, as the International House of Blues celebrates Martin Luther King Day and you recall his great work for civil rights in America, I appeal to you to extend the same concern, not only for Tibetans, but for everyone deprived of human rights throughout the world."

This historical, educational, and musical presentation will include political dignitaries, recording artists, musicians, actors, dancers, poets, artists, and clergy. Channel 9's Pat Harvey will emcee the event. Notable speakers include Congresswoman Maxime Waters; Senator Diane Watson; United Nations' representative Marvin Schachter; Amnesty International representative Ann Burrows; Genethia Hayes (Acting Executive Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Foundation and the Dr. King Legacy); Isaac Hayes; Lou Rawls;

Little Richard; Jasmine Guy; Shari Belafonte; Shelia E.; and House of Blues brothers Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi and John Goodman.