Andrew Young describes his hopes for the future ahead of milestone birthday

andrew young
Former United States ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young speaks at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Boston, Friday, Aug. 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Michael Dwyer

Former United Nations Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young turns 90 years old Saturday.

Young is among the last surviving members of Martin Luther King Jr.’s inner circle. He is hosting multiple events for his birthday week that showcase his accomplishments and continue his long fight for equity and inclusion.

Through the years Young has been an instrumental part of the Civil Rights Movement, witnessing the struggle for voting rights, prolific leaders slain and all the indelible scars he and others accrued during the fight for equal rights.



“One of the examples of making to 90 is I’ve been through many dangers, toils and snares, ” said Young. “And I’ve learned to appreciate and understand God’s amazing grace.”

Never one to be satisfied, Young says he’s fighting to see more advancement when it comes to future leaders.

Young joined “Morning Edition” ahead of his 90th birthday to share his vision for the future. He talked about the qualities he sees as necessary for effective leadership, how people can learn to work together and what his years of service have meant to him.