Leavander Johnson Memorial Statue has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 30th

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (September 21, 2010) – The highly anticipated unveiling of the Leavander Johnson Memorial Statue has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 30th due to scheduling conflicts.

“While it is unfortunate that we have to reschedule the statue dedication, The Leavander Johnson Foundation is looking forward to the unveiling next month in front of a large audience,” said Floyd Williams, CEO of the Foundation.

The statue honoring Atlantic City’s World Champion is being created by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon of Hanlon Sculpture Studio located in Toms River, New Jersey.

Sponsorships benefiting the creation of the statue are still available. To contribute to the project, please visit www.leavanderjohnsonfoundation.org/leavanderjohnsonstatue.html. For more information, please contact Floyd Williams at 702-509-0019 or Stephanie Caldwell at 609-289-8519.

About Leavander Johnson
Leavander Johnson (12/24/1969 – 9/22/2005) compiled a career record of 34-5-2 with 26 wins by way of knockout. Johnson was born and raised in Atlantic City and trained throughout his childhood and boxing career at the Atlantic City PAL under the watchful eye of his father, who continues to instruct the youths of today. Johnson first became champion by winning the IBO Lightweight title in 1995. After three previous attempts failed, Johnson finally captured the vacant IBF Lightweight title on June 17, 2005 with a 7th round TKO over Stefano Zoff in Milan, Italy. Three months later, on September 17, 2005 in Las Vegas, Johnson unsuccessfully defended his title against Jesus Chavez when the fight was stopped in the 11th round. Johnson later collapsed in the locker room and was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery to correct a subdural hematoma. Tragically, his condition did not improve and he passed away September 22, 2005 with his family by his side.

About Hanlon Sculpture Studio
Brian Hanlon is a classically trained master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio, located in Toms River, NJ. In business since 1991, Hanlon has sculpted over 200 public art pieces, specializing in bronze statues, and is the Official Sculptor for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He has been coined “New Jersey’s Sculptor” for his local work that includes the Angel in Anguish 9/11 Memorial in Brick Township, the Pennsauken 9/11 Memorial, Governor Richard J. Hughes at The Law Center in New Brunswick, Count Basie in Red Bank, and the WWII Memorial in Manchester Township. Current projects include Shaquille O’Neal for Louisiana State University, Larry Holmes for Easton, PA, Yogi Berra for the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, Dave Bing for Syracuse University, and Fr. Mychal Judge, OFM for East Rutherford. For more information: www.hanlonsculpture.com

About The Leavander Johnson Foundation
The Leavander Johnson Foundation is non profit 501(c)3 community based empowerment organization. The mission of the Leavander Johnson Foundation is to enable communities to improve the quality and circumstances of life for present and future generations. In meeting these challenges, the Foundation employs flexible approaches and innovative strategies that are responsive to changing needs and new opportunities. The goal is to stimulate long-lasting and sustainable progress in which contributes to community vitality and economic growth.

About Atlantic City
Atlantic City offers something for everyone. From the boardwalk to the bay, our great city has become a world-class destination and a “must see” attraction for millions of visitors annually. From fine dining and entertainment, to a wide array of shopping and, of course, casino excitement…we’re “always turned on”!

For More Information Contact:
Floyd Williams
Chief Executive Officer
Leavander Johnson Foundation
Phone: 702-509-0019
fwilliams@leavanderjohnsonfoundation.org

or

Stephanie Caldwell
Chief Executive Administrator
Leavander Johnson Foundation
Phone: 609-289-8519
stephanie@leavanderjohnsonfoundation.org

“Fighting to Make a Difference”