BLACK CLERGY BUS TOUR OF GULF COAST PROVIDES HOPE

Religious leaders to assess rebuilding and convene Katrina/Rita Sunday

Monday, August 14, 2006

For Immediate Release Contact: Jessica Watson, press@faithinpubliclife.org at 202-544-7921 or Allison Conyers, Allison@mckpr.com at 202-833-9771

NEW ORLEANS, LA--The African American Leadership Commission (AALC), a body of prominent black clergy from across the country, will mark the first anniversary of the devastating Gulf Coast hurricanes by touring the region and reaching out to local clergy and their congregants. The unprecedented mission of thirty pastors will culminate with recommendations for action and the launching of faith services coinciding with the August 29th disaster.

Clergy leaders will arrive in New Orleans on August 15th and travel to Biloxi, Mississippi, and Baton Rouge over the following four days to gain a first-hand view on the impact of the hurricanes one year later. A media availability in New Orleans on August 16th will include local and national leaders of the faith community.

AALC members are pushing for more effective government action in the rebuilding process. “We are visiting the Gulf Coast to see firsthand what will be needed to reverse the conditions that leave many drowning on dry land,� said Rev. Joseph Jackson of Evergreen Baptist Church in Milwaukee, WI. “The situation in New Orleans dramatically highlights many of the problems our brethren are coping with across the country.�

Projecting the links between the suffering of Gulf Coast residents and the plight of millions of others across the country that are denied economic opportunities is a goal of the AALC’s visit.

“The Gulf Coast is not alone. We aim to preach, teach and agitate the community and public officials to build equity and opportunity across America,� explains Rev. Jackson.

“People of faith are urging a response by our government and society that reflects our highest values. The principles of justice and shared responsibility are central to our faith traditions, as well as to our national aspiration to be a real land of opportunity,� Rev. Jackson concluded.

WHAT: Drowning on Dry Land/Connecting Covenant Visit

WHO: The Gamaliel Foundation’s African American Leadership Commission: The leaders of some our
nation’s most prominent Black churches

WHEN: Press Availability in New Orleans: Aug. 16, 11:00-11:30 AM

WHERE: Mt. Nebo Bible Baptist Church, 1720 Flood Street, New Orleans, LA

CONTACT: Jessica Watson, press@faithinpubliclife.org at 202-544-7921