Frank Robinson, Ruby Dee, and John H. Johnson have been named as this year’s Beacon Award winners by Major League Baseball.

The presentation ceremony will be held in Memphis this Friday, March 28, 2008. 

The New York Mets will play the Chicago White Sox in the annual Civil Rights Game on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at the Memphis Redbirds minor league park.

The MLB Beacon of Life Award will be presented to former MVP and Hall of Fame player and manager Frank Robinson.  This award is for the “individual whose life embodies the spirit of the civil rights movement.”

The MLB Beacon of Change Award will be presented to actress Ruby Dee.  This award is for the “individual who inspires innovative social thought through his or her creative works.”

The MLB Beacon of Hope Award will be presented posthumously to Ebony and Jet magazine founder John H. Johnson.  This award is for the “individual who invests in our country’s future by investing in our youth.”