Andrew Young has worked extensively for civil and human rights as a pastor, elected official and diplomat. As a young minister, he confronted segregation with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and galvanized a movement that transformed the nation through non-violence. He was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1972, and resigned his seat in 1977 to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Later, as mayor of Atlanta, Young helped revitalize the city, in part by attracting the 1996 Olympic Summer Games. Since leaving political office, Young has founded or served in a large number of organizations founded on public policy, advocacy and international relations, with a special focus on Africa.