Acclaimed broadcast journalist Ted Koppel today interviewed The Birmingham Times founder Dr. Jesse J. Lewis Sr. as nearly 200 friends, supporters and other well-wishers watched the special program titled “One Journalist’s Journey.” Koppel also highlighted Lewis’ personal story as a leader in community journalism and business in Birmingham.

The program was part of Alabama Power’s yearlong “Power of Leadership” series, saluting unheralded business leaders of the civil rights movement.  The event is also part of the city’s “Empowerment Week” commemoration of the civil rights events of 1963.

Koppel, who started his career at ABC News in 1963, is best known as anchor of ABC’s “Nightline” news magazine from 1980 to 2005. He’s won every major broadcasting award, including 37 Emmy Awards, six George Foster Peabody Awards, 10 duPont-Columbia Awards, nine Overseas Press Club Awards and two George Polk Awards. He currently serves as a senior news analyst for National Public Radio.

Dr. Lewis started his career in journalism as a reporter for two African-American community newspapers, the Birmingham World and the Birmingham Mirror. In addition to launching The Birmingham Times, Lewis started his own communications consulting firm, The Lewis Group, which he still operates. The Birmingham Times continues to circulate, having never missed an issue in 50 years.

In the spirit of Dr. Lewis and his accomplishments, community leaders announced at the event the creation of the Foundation for Progress in Journalism to help support aspiring Alabama journalists. “We’re excited about creating this foundation, in part to honor the legacy of Dr. Lewis,” said former Montgomery Advertiser publisher Sam Martin, who is working as a consultant on the project. “This foundation will support young journalists by helping provide opportunities, including classroom instruction and internships, that will better equip them to cover the stories affecting their communities in this digital age.” For more information on the foundation or to see how you can support its mission, please visit www.foundationforprogressinjournalism.org.

For more information about the 50^th anniversary of Birmingham’s civil rights movement and the most up-to-date listing of events, please visit www.50yearsforward.com.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. Learn more about the company and its community service efforts at www.alabamapower.com.