42. Andrew Young

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Andrew Young
Illustration by Alex Fine

Focus Politics, Activism
Age 83
Young’s legacy as an Atlanta mayor, congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, and a key member of Martin Luther King Jr.’s inner circle during the civil rights movement has given him a standing unique among leaders of his generation. Young’s moral stature ensures he still commands the ears of current decision-makers.

Independent voice Young isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers or confound supporters, as with his backing of Hillary Clinton over Obama in 2008 or his recent assertion that the Confederate battle flag controversy distracts from the issue of black-on-black crime.

Back to Atlanta’s 55 Most Powerful

This article originally appeared in our October 2015 issue.

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