Lizz Brown In Oakland!

Talk show host Lizz Brown, who led a successful boycott to protest the closing of 12 black schools in St. Louis, Missouri, will speak on March 13th at an organizing conference in Oakland dealing with the crisis in the city’s schools.

On Saturday, March 13, 2004, the International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) will host the 3rd annual organizing conference, “Taking Back Our Community’s Future: Going From Miseducation to Community Control of Education!” from noon to 6pm at the Uhuru House, 7911 Mac Arthur Blvd in Oakland. Responding to the historic miseducation of African children in Oakland schools, the recent state takeover, and State Superintendent Randy Ward’s plan to close five black schools, the conference will address Oakland’s educational crisis and will include workshops to organize public forums, demonstrations and a district-wide boycott of the schools.

Lizz Brown is an award-winning radio host of “The Wake Up Call,” a daily morning show in St. Louis that addresses struggles for justice in the African community. When the St. Louis board of education hired private consultants to cut costs and close down a dozen schools in the black community, Brown organized a citywide boycott. She has also organized protests with the National Action Network against a St. Louis mall after rap star Nelly was kicked out of the mall for wearing African clothing.

InPDUM Oakland invites parents, students, teachers, and concerned individuals and groups to come out on March 13th to learn from the victories in St. Louis and to organize for community control of Oakland’s schools.

“Historically it has been impossible for African children to get an education in the Oakland Unified School District that recognizes the history of African people and addresses the needs and interests of our community,” says Bakari Olatunji, the local president of InPDUM.

Olatunji continues, “Now with five black schools slated for closure next year and more closures promised in the future, it’s time for the African community and our allies to become involved in our children’s education and future.”

Speakers for the conference also include Omali Yeshitela, Chairman of the African People’s Socialist Party and founder of the Uhuru Movement, a veteran in the struggle who provides insight and expertise in addressing the fundamental issues facing the black community. Also on the program will be Penny Hess, Chairwoman of the African People’s Solidarity Committee, organizing in the white community to defend the democratic rights of African people.

Call (510) 569-9620 for more information and (510) 295-7834 for media requests.