PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bono, U2 lead singer and activist, and DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa), the advocacy organization he co-founded to combat poverty and disease in Africa, were presented with the National Constitution Center's 2007 Liberty Medal last night for their groundbreaking work in raising awareness about and spurring a global response to the crisis of AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa. Bono and DATA accepted the prestigious Medal and its accompanying $100,000 prize in a public ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at the National Constitution Center in Historic Philadelphia. All of the prize money will be donated to DATA.
During the ceremony, Joseph M. Torsella, National Constitution Center President and CEO, said that this year's recipient is an inspirational example of the power of citizens to elevate important issues to the world stage.
"We honor Bono and DATA for leading an urgent conversation, challenging the world's richest nations to do better by Africa, and challenging African nations to do better by their own people," said Torsella. "And we honor the way the great conversation about human liberty connects us all, across places and times."
Bono, U2 lead singer and DATA co-founder, said, "This is a real honor for myself and my bosses at DATA -- I am very proud of their work. It's also a great excuse to go back to Philadelphia, where we launched the ONE Campaign which now has 2.4 million Americans signed up to fight for justice on behalf of the poorest of the poor. I don't suppose there are enough Liberty Medals to go around, but in truth those people should all be wearing one too."
Jamie Drummond, DATA's Executive Director said, "I'm profoundly proud
of DATA's work: from peddling anti-poverty policy to the Administration and
Congress, to our leadership role in launching the ONE Campaign and
organizing the Live 8 concert here in Philly two years ago. I am deeply
appreciative of this honor and of the addit
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