The American Film Institute is America’s promise to preserve the history of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers. The organization was founded in 1967 as a national arts organization. Besides preserving America’ film heritage, the organization trains filmmakers.
According to their website:
AFI provides leadership in film, television and digital media and is dedicated to initiatives that engage the past, the present and the future of the moving image arts.
On July 29, 2003, Clay Aiken joined executives of the AFI on a visit to Capitol Hill, the White House and the US Department of Education. Their goal was to urge the expansion of AFI’s Screen Education Center into schools across America. They proposed that Congress provide additional funding to expand the K-12 program from a demonstration project into a national level program.
Clay met with many senators and members of congress including the Majority leader, William Frist, Senators Dole, Edwards, Feinstein, Boxer, Spector, Harkin, Mikulski, and Lott. He also met with the Acting Deputy Secretary, Dr. Eugene Hickok from the US Department of Education. After the closed-door meeting with officials at the U.S. Department of Education, Aiken said:
Since I’ve had to put my own work with special needs kids on hold for now, I am excited to do what I can to support worthwhile educational efforts, particularly those which reach kids who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
During the busy day, Aiken stopped by the Capitol to sing “Happy Birthday” to Senator Elizabeth Dole from North Carolina.
Clay followed this busy schedule on his day off from the American Idol Tour. The other cast members had the day off, but Clay spent his day pursuing a goal that was important to him.
Do you think Washington D.C. is ready for Clay Aiken?
One thing that often irks me is when someone complains without end about the state of the country but does not even bother to vote. Clay is more than just voting. He is at least considering a run for office and an opportunity to make his voice heard in the hope that he can help improve things for all. Clay has shown from the very beginning that he is very civic minded and that giving back and making a difference is important to him. Is Washington ready for him? I hope so, and that they will take him seriously. He will be there to work and hopefully enact change that will benefit all. I think that in the future he will be known as a congressman that sings like an angel instead of a singer that wants to be a congressman.
It's about damn time. Thank you for the reminder of how Clay spent his day off way back pre finale, working on a cause he believed in. Loved him then, love him & respect him even more now and "always and forever." (Cute personal aside – isn't this the unseen part of the podium picture showing his feet splayed?)
Clay would make a great congressman, he's very dedicated to whatever he does, he's honest and caring about issues that are important to him and the people, so way to go Clay and God bless you in your new venture.
This is why we all love him , he put his money here his mouth is and does what he says he will. I will hate not going to his concerts any more, but he cares more about how his son will grow up and is willing go give up his fame…….
I had never hear this story about his visit to Washington DC and singing to Elizabeth Dole. Are they ready for Clay? They’d better cause he’s on his way. 🙂
Loved seeing the photos and reliving the details . I had forgotten many of them . Thanks !!
Thank you for that wonderful article on Clay from 2003. Clay is a very honest man and is always willing to help out wherever he can. I know that if it is in the cards….he will make a great Congressman.
The first post on this page says it all. If given a chance they can be sure he will give it his best. He has always spoken highly of North Carolina and even though at times" I "don't think they have supported him well, he still sees the need to try and speak up to help them. I am sure he will sing for us again but right now he is brave enough to try and step into this new arena and I wish him only the best.
I missed Clay's visit to Capitol Hill in 2003. So glad you posted it now. Clay is ready for Washington, but is Washington ready for Clay? It will be a hard fight to get the nomination and then get voted in, but Clay is up the task of doing what he believes in.
clay aiken wold make a terfic congressman hes verry dedacated to what he does and how he does it hes honist and caring and this is why we alllove clay he puts in the money hered in his mouth and indeed does what he says he will i will sure miss his amazng singing and his concerts clay i wish you the best