Los Angeles, March 1, 2001 -- Television star and film actress Erin Gray (Bay Watch, Silver Spoons, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Social Misfits, The Last Producer, A Woman’s Story, T- Force) will receive the Tahirih Award for Service on Saturday, March 10 in Los Angeles. Gray, a health expert, motivational speaker and UCLA instructor of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, will be honored for her long-standing work in the field of domestic violence. Gray has served on the Boards of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Women’s Peacepower Foundation, Haven House (the oldest battered women’s shelter in the U.S.); Child Quest International; Multiple Sclerosis Association; and the Childhood Leukemia Foundation. Gray has co-written and
co-produced a PSA on Domestic violence which was distributed in nine states. She has appeared on Johnny Carson, Leeza, Inside Edition and other talk shows; gives talks about child abuse, alcoholism, and self-esteem. Gray has also been a celebrity sponsor for the annual Lady Footlocker walk/run for 3 years.
The non-profit Tahirih Association for the Advancement of Women spotlights Gray at a gala event and fundraising performance to be held during National Women's History Month. Awards will be shared by Ms. Lucky K. Altman, Program Director for the National Conference for Community and Justice for her outstanding work in the field of human relations and Dr. Xylina Bean, Professor of Neonatology at King/Drew Medical Center for distinguished efforts on behalf of pre-natal care for women in Los Angeles. Past winners have been Dr. Diane Watson, former U.S. Ambassador and current California Congressional candidate; Linda and Peter Biehl, founders of the Amy Biehl Foundation; actress/producer Joan Van Ark; and writer/producer Dr. Neal Baer of ER and Law & Order fame.
The Tahirih Association grants educational scholarships to underprivileged individuals around the world who demonstrate excellence in the arts or sciences. The Association is named after Tahirih (Ta-hair Ay), known as “Joan of Arc of the Eastern world.” Her true life-story will be featured at this evening event in the highly praised theatrical music drama, “A WOMAN AND HER WORDS” starring actress/recording artist Tadia, and character actor Parke McAlister. The show has received international acclaim for performance, music and script about the renowned woman poet and legal scholar from 19th-century Persia. Tahirih called for the equality of all people and the end of slavery, and was the first woman known to have removed her face veil in the company of men, causing a furor in her society as well as her untimely death at the age of 36. The original cast recording of “A WOMAN AND HER WORDS” recently received nods as 2001 GRAMMY competitors in ten categories.
This event will be among the most notable and prestigious during National Women's History Month. Senator Diane Feinstein will honor the Tahirih Association for their work. National Women’s History Month was passed by Congress in 1987 in an effort to recognize the accomplishments of women. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women of Courage and Vision.”
Proceeds benefit the non-profit Tahirih Association Scholarship Fund (www.TahirihAssociation.org). Event is Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 PM, $25.00 & $15.00 at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center Theater, 5755 Rodeo Road (at La Cienega). For information or ticket reservations call (323) 935-1676.