Black Ministers Launch Katrina National Justice Commission Hearings; Hillary Clinton among Testifiers before Commission

13 June 2006

News Advisory:

Black Ministers Launch Katrina National Justice Commission Hearings

Hillary Clinton among Testifiers before Commission

WHAT:

The Katrina National Justice Commission will launch its first round of nationwide hearings to document successes and failures in the local, state and federal response to Hurricane Katrina. Convened by the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, the Commission is the first national independent body of faith leaders from African-American churches and community activists to investigate the events preceding and following the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

This Commission, akin to the 911 Commission, will identify critical next steps for long-term reconstruction and restoration; plans that must be undertaken to ensure preparedness for disasters and emergencies in communities across the nation; and long-term public policies that may help eradicate racial and economic disparities made evident by this disaster.

WHO:

Commissioners are national leaders representing a cross section of clergy, academics and professionals, including:

Rev. Otis Moss, Jr., Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, Cleveland, Ohio

Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Howard University School of Divinity

Mr. John H. Vaughn, The Twenty-First Century Foundation (21CF)

Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins, Nat'l Ministries Amer. Baptist Church USA

General Harry W. Brooks, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Rev. Dr. Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, Colby College

Testifiers are evacuees, first responders, public officials, and representatives from charitable organizations, including:

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.)

Representatives from the U.S. Army (Joint Task Force Katrina), FEMA and the Red Cross

Rev. Angela Williams, Interfaith Liaison, Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund

Brenda Mitchell, President, United Teachers of New Orleans

Rev. Marjorie Cobb-Thomas, Bethel Istrouma AME, Baton Rouge

Rev. Marjani Dele (with youth evacuees), Exodus Ministries, New Orleans

Dr. David E. Goatley, Lott Carey International

Edward A. Hailes, Jr., Advancement Project

Evacuees, including Earl Barth of Omaha, Neb., and Mrs. Karla Weaver of Baton Rouge

WHEN:

Thursday, June 15, 1 to 5 p.m.

Friday, June 16, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE:

Lutheran Church of the Reformation

212 E. Capitol St. (behind Supreme Court Building), Washington, D.C.

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Media Note: The Proctor Conference will also hold a luncheon and press conference at the National Press Club (529 14th St., N.W.) on Tuesday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m. Commissioners will be available for comment and interviews. http://www.sdpconference.info

http://www.usnewswire.com/

Source: usnewswire

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