History
History of Lions and Helen Keller
The Lions Clubs International Convention was held in Cedar Point, Ohio, in 1925. Helen Keller addressed attendees and challenged them to become the Knights of the Blind.
In her famous speech she asked, “Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”
The Warmth of Enlightenment
The Warmth of Enlightenment statue was dedicated by the Alabama Lions on September 17, 2017. The statue is located at the Knights of the Blind Walk at Ivy Green, Helen Keller’s Birthplace, in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
At the present time the house and grounds are undergoing restoration and modernization. The story of Helen Keller and Ivy Green has made a difference for all those who are challenged learners and the researchers and teachers who work to assist them.
Ivy Green continues to serve as a resource for education, inspiration and functions as a museum and repository of rare, irreplaceable museum objects, including original clothes, toys, personal mementos and unique artifacts donated in her honor. Ivy Green is on the National Register of Historic Places and is filled with original furniture. On display in the main house and museum is a complete library of Braille books and an original Braille typewriter.
Knights of the Blind Walk
Melvin Jones created the Lions organization in 1917 but the inspiration for the Lions impetus to champion the cause of vision was Helen Keller’s challenge in 1925. From that date to now, the primary mission of the Lions of the world has been to prevent blindness. Lions and citizens around the world now have the opportunity to honor Helen Keller’s challenge to become Knights of the Blind.
Many have already contributed to the memorial and Knights of the Blind Walk. Will you join with them to complete the project? Donate now.
