Celebrities toast Andrew Young's 80th birthday

As of Monday, May 21, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

Former U.N. Ambassador and civil rights activist Andrew Young and Oprah Winfrey hug during a celebration of the Young's 80th birthday, on Sunday, May, 20, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

ATLANTA (AP) — Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities gathered to pay tribute to one of Atlanta's most influential residents.

Sunday's gathering in Atlanta honored former Mayor Andrew Young, who turned 80 this year.

Young's eight decades have included key moments during the civil rights movement at the side of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.; serving as a U.S. ambassador and congressman; and spearheading the effort to bring the 1996 Olympics to Atlanta.

Young's birthday celebration began last week with Delta Air Lines dedicating a 767 jet in his name. It ended Sunday night with a gala that drew 1,200 well-wishers and birthday wishes from former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.

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