Martha Reeves to Participate in the National Federation of the Blind Motor City March for Independence

Martha Reeves to Participate in the National Federation of the Blind Motor City March for Independence

Reeves to Serve as Honorary Co-chair of Event

BALTIMORE, May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) announced today that Martha Reeves, former lead singer of the Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, will take the stage serving as a co-chair for the organization's fundraising walk-a-thon event. The third annual Motor City March for Independence will take place on the morning of July 6, 2009, as part of the National Federation of the Blind convention, which will be held in Detroit this year. Over a thousand blind people from across the nation will march to raise money to benefit blind people all over the United States and to raise awareness about the capabilities of the blind.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are truly delighted to have Ms. Reeves participate in this year's March for Independence. As an individual whose talent has significantly contributed to Detroit's musical landscape and a well-known leader in her community, she will be a valuable contributor to this very important event."

Ms. Reeves said: "By developing innovative approaches in education, technology, and services, the National Federation of the Blind is making huge strides to help the world's blind achieve independence. I am thrilled to support the NFB third annual March for Independence. I am equally pleased that the NFB has chosen to support Detroit by selecting it as the location for the occasion."

During Ms. Reeves' tenure with The Vandellas, the group had over a dozen hit singles including "Dancing in the Street," "Nowhere to Run," and "Jimmy Mack." Since 2005, Reeves has served as an elected councilwoman for the city of Detroit, Michigan.

Martha Reeves joins Councilwoman Joanne Watson and other local Detroit luminaries who have agreed to co-chair the event.

For more information about the March for Independence, including how to participate and how to sponsor a marcher, visit www.marchforindependence.org. To learn more about the National Federation of the Blind, please visit www.nfb.org.

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves the lives of blind people through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the Voice of the Nation's Blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

Source: National Federation of the Blind

CONTACT: Chris Danielsen, Director of Public Relations of National
Federation of the Blind, +1-410-659-9314, ext. 2330, +1-410-262-1281 (Cell),
cdanielsen@nfb.org

Web Site: http://www.nfb.org/
http://www.marchforindependence.org/

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