History Makers International Summit announces opening keynote speaker

    TORONTO, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - Bill Nemtin, Executive Producer of History
Makers 2009 is proud to announce that distinguished Harvard scholar and
television producer/presenter Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. will be delivering
the opening keynote address at this year's event. His address, on "Lincoln,
Obama, Race and the Presidency" will place the extraordinary political changes
in the United States into a historical context. Gates is currently completing
a book and PBS special to mark the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's
birth.
    Henry Louis Gates, Jr., is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and
the Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American
Research at Harvard University. One of the most influential scholars in the
field of African American Studies, he is most recently the author of "Finding
Oprah's Roots, Finding Your Own" (Crown, 2007). His PBS documentaries on
African American history have been seen by millions of viewers, and he is the
recipient of nearly fifty honorary degrees and numerous awards, including the
MacArthur "Genius grant".
    "I can think of no one better than Dr. Gates to give an audience full of
broadcasters and producers from around the world a unique perspective of the
dramatic changes that have recently occurred in America", says Nemtin.
    History Makers 2009 - International Summit of History and Current Affairs
Producers will take place in New York City from January 29-31 at the Marriott
Downtown. Early Bird Registration is now open, offering $275 in savings for
both independent producer and broadcaster rates until November 28, 2008. As
with last year's event, there will be a top program awards presentation,
master classes and panels and an environment for delegates to meet with
leading commissioning editors from around the world.
    For more information and to register for the Summit please visit:
www.historymakers2009.com

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