Family of former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young ask for privacy as he recovers

ATLANTA - The family of former United States Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young is asking for privacy as he continues his recovery.

Young’s wife, Carolyn McClain Young, wrote in a statement sent to FOX 5 News that he “has been examined and diagnosed by physicians, and is undergoing treatment.”

The statement continues:

“He has shown tremendous progress and we are confident that his condition will continue to improve. However, it will take time and lots of rest for him to fully recover. He has been encouraged to clear his schedule for the foreseeable future so that he can focus on his health and wellbeing. This will help him regain his full strength, so that he can continue his lifelong fight for justice and equality for all.”

The family said they are grateful for the outpouring of concern and prayers from around the world. They ask for privacy to allow time for Young to fully heal.

The 86-year-old civil rights leader was flown back to Atlanta from Nashville on Wednesday on a private plane so he could see his private physician at Emory University Hospital.

The former pastor was scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at Fisk University’s baccalaureate service but was admitted to Vanderbilt University Hospital for unspecified medical reasons.

Young was a former executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was one of the top lieutenants of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He served in Congress representing Georgia’s 5th District before being tapped by President Jimmy Carter to become the Ambassador to the United Nations. Young would then return to Atlanta to become the 55th Mayor for two terms beginning in 1982 credited with helping to earn the city the honor of hosting the Centennial Olympic Games and overseeing one of the city’s biggest era of growth.

He would go on to make an unsuccessful bid for Georgia Governor before starting his own foundation, the Andrew Young Foundation, with the goal of the helping to ease and righting social, racial, and economical disparages and injustices in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean.

For the past several years Young has been the host of the Emmy Award-winning syndicated series Andrew Young Presents which highlights civil rights history and shines a spotlight on national and global issues.

Young also continues to tour as a guest lecturer and preacher, doing his part to preserve the King legacy and continues his good works.

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