Coalition Urges Congress to Convene Emergency Hearings As Increasing Incidents of Violence Plaque America

At 10 am on Wednesday, 23 August 2006, a national coalition including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Reaching Out to Others Together (ROOT), the Hip Hop Caucus Institute, Law Enforcement officials, community leaders, mental health professionals, Clergy and Congressional staffers will hold a press conference at the National Press Club located at 14 and F Streets in NW Washington DC to urge Congress to convene emergency hearings as incresing incidents of violence plague communities throughout America. And the world.

Since May 1 ROOT (Reaching Out to Others Together) Inc. has been collecting signatures from residents of the District as part of its proactive campaign to reduce gun violence, incidents of youth violence, and homicides and get community involvement. To date ROOT's staff has collected over 7,000 signatures towards its goal of 10,000 signatures by September 1.

In addition, ROOT has received the unconditional endorsement of the prestigious National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the support of several senior level congressional staffers in its efforts to develop both a local and a national cohesive campaign to reduce gun violence.

In an effort to address the issues of public safety and gun violence affecting the District of Columbia, all mayoral, council chair, and council at large candidates will be invited to Freedom Plaza on August 27 from 10 am until 6 pm to a Rally for Public Safety and Against Gun Violence during time Kenneth E. Barnes, Sr. CEO and Founder of ROOT Inc. will present findings from research that indicate youth affected by gun violence and homocide are not receiving proper intervention to address these issues.

At the rally, all candidates campaigning for citywide office will have perhaps their last opportunity to state to the general public about how each would address the public's concerns about public safety and gun violence if elected, prior to the September elections.

Also on this 38th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s March on Washington, the coalition call upon Congress to take action against this epidemic of gun violence plaguing cities and communities throughout America.

Invited to be keynote speakers are Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC and Congressman Albert Wynn, D-MD.

Organizations, agencies, clergy, or individuals who wish to become involved please contact Ava Harrison or Dawn Butcher, 202 332-ROOT, 1 866-570-ROOT.

Media Contact: Priscilla Clarke, Clarke & Associates, pclarkepr@aol.com or 202-723-2200.