There will be some of the most famous folks from the worlds of music and sports heading to Chicago for the big Major League Baseball Beacon Awards luncheon Saturday, Aug. 24 — the same day the annual Civil Rights Game will be played between the Sox and the Rangers at U.S. Cellular Field. At the luncheon, the legendary Aretha Franklin and Bo Jackson will be honored with the Beacon Award at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Hotel.
Among the special guests at the mid-day fete will be Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, former Sox great Frank Thomas, ex-Tiger Willie Horton, Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Ferguson Jenkins, plus Minnie Minoso and Jackie Robinson’s daughter, Sharon Robinson.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Chicago Urban League and La Rabida Children’s Hospital.
Platinum-selling international recording star Charice will perform at the luncheon.
The 2013 Civil Rights Game is the seventh one play since the annual event began in Memphis in 2007. The entire weekend is Major League Baseball’s way of paying tribute to those who fight for equality for all Americans.