Gulf Coast Recovery Efforts- Hurricane Katrina Anniversary EVents

'A DAY OF PRESENCE' AND 'A DAY OF SERVICE' IN SUPPORT OF GULF COAST
RECOVERY:
WE MATTER, WE CARE, WE ACT

In a historic move, concerned citizens from across the country are
converging upon New Orleans for the second anniversary of hurricane
Katrina. Celebrities, dignitaries, and people from all walks of life are
donating their time to BE PRESENT and send a clear message to the
government to rebuild the Gulf Coast now. Please note these two
important dates:



8/28: A Day of Service - Volunteers from across the country will conduct
an environmental clean-up and remove contaminated top soil from damaged
communities; help to paint and pressure wash buildings; repair the
playground in a local public school; and help in the restoration of a
historic African American church. Volunteers will also visit the sick
and elderly in the few nursing homes that have reopened. (press release
below)



8/29: A Day of Presence - A rally will take place on August 29 from 2:30
p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ernest N. Morial Conventional Center and is
intended to force the government to act swiftly to create a Marshall
Plan to restore New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. A silent march
and candlelight vigil will follow the rally.. (press release:
http://tinyurl.com/36h7qr)



HOW YOU CAN HELP:

* If you can BE PRESENT, show up in New Orleans 8/28 and 8/29.

* Tell your family, friends, neighbors, and business associates
to join us in New Orleans.

* If you are a member of the media, a blogger, or webmaster, help
us get the word out.

* If you know a journalist, urge them to talk and write about
"8/29: A Day of Presence"

* If you have an email list - please pass this email on.

* If you can't be there, BE PRESENT IN SPIRIT, call congress and
demand for immediate action to rebuild the Gulf Coast Region. The
toll-free number for the congressional switchboard is (888) 226-0627 or
visit http://www.house.gov and
http://www.senate.gov to locate state
representatives.

* If you can donate supplies including masks, garbage bags,
gloves, water etc., contact RosariaBeasley [at] bellsouth.net or call the
Urban League of Greater New Orleans at (504) 620-2332.

* Stand united with fellow citizens to DEMAND JUSTICE for
survivors of the deadliest disaster in modern US history.

Blessings,

Edrea Davis

Publicist/Author "SnitchCraft"

edmedia [at] dogonvillage.com

818.613.9521



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NOTE TO MEDIA: Susan Taylor (Essence), Melanie Campbell, (NCBCP), and
honorees with compelling stories about their post-Katrina struggles, are
available for interview. Contact Edrea at edmedia [at] dogonvillage.com or
(818) 613.9521.



NCBCP PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 15, 2007

Contact: Edrea Davis (edmedia [at] dogonvillage.com)

Phone: 818.613.9521

NCBCP: 202.659.4929



COALITION MAKES URGENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

TO AID IN GULF COAST REBUILDING EFFORTS



Full day of community service events planned the day before massive
demonstration in New Orleans



In an effort to trigger a new wave of volunteerism in the Gulf Coast
region, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) is
making an urgent call for local and national groups to join them
Tuesday, August 28, for A Day of Service to help rebuild hurricane
damaged communities in New Orleans.



"We're calling on all able-bodied citizens to join forces with other
national and local organizations, celebrities, and individuals to help
with rebuilding and clean up efforts in New Orleans," says Melanie L.
Campbell, executive director and CEO of the NCBCP. "While it is
imperative that we send a message to the government that they need to
act immediately to help survivors of the hurricane, we also want to
underscore the need for every individual to do their part as well."



A Day of Service precedes "8/29, A Day of Presence," a massive
demonstration that will be held on the second anniversary of Katrina
intended to force the government to create a Marshall Plan to restore
New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.



On A Day of Service, the NCBCP will join the Louisiana Unity Coalition,
National Urban League, AFL-CIO, NAFEO, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity, International Association of Black Firefighters,
The Peoples' Agenda, The Advancement Project, The Praxis Project, Saving
Our Selves Coalition and volunteers from across the country to: conduct
an environmental clean-up and remove contaminated top soil from damaged
communities; help to paint and pressure wash buildings; repair the
playground in a local public school; and help in the restoration of a
historic African American church. Volunteers will also visit the sick
and elderly in the few nursing homes that have reopened.



"The people of the Gulf want immediate action from the government," says
Vincent Sylvain, Convener, LA Unity Coalition and Katrina survivor.
"But, the world needs to know that the folks in the Gulf Coast have not
been sitting and waiting for the government. We're all doing our part to
clean up the city and could not do it without the help of the generous
volunteers from across the country."



Campbell adds, "If you can't make it to help rebuild a Gulf Coast
community, volunteer where you are. There are 'lower ninth wards' across
the country. 'A Day of Service' is to highlight community service and
self empowerment."



The evening of August 28, from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, the NCBCP's Black
Women's Roundtable will host "Celebrating Our Sisters of the Gulf Coast
Dialogue & Recognition Ceremony," honoring women from the region who
have worked tirelessly to assist hurricane survivors and advocate for
comprehensive recovery and rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. The event will
include dinner, music, poetry, comedy, and the presentation of
certificates of recognition. Speakers include, Susan Taylor, editorial
director, Essence magazine, and Iyanla Vanzant, author, radio host and
spiritual leader.



A Day of Service is being organized by LA Unity Coalition, Deep South
Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University, Mount Zion
United Methodist Church, African American Leadership Project, Urban
League of Greater New Orleans, Rainbow PUSH New Orleans and Millions
More Movement. To volunteer contact RosariaBeasley [at] bellsouth.net or
call the Urban League of Greater New Orleans at (504) 620-2332.



# # #


NOTE TO MEDIA: To schedule an interview with national, state, and local
organizers contact Edrea at 818.613.9521. FOR "8/29: A DAY OF PRESENCE"
PRESS RELEASE go to:
http://tinyurl.com/36h7qr .