Youth and Clergy Call on Media and Policymakers to
Focus on the Decades-Long State of Emergency: A Broken Justice and Political System
WASHINGTON — November 19 at 11:00 a.m. EDT, clergy and Ferguson youth activists will publicly call on media and policymakers to focus on the real, deeper issues that sparked protest after the killing of teen Michael Brown and will once again be front and center should Officer Darren Wilson be acquitted by a grand jury.
The panel, organized by PICO National Network, will also highlight the broader problems surrounding the U.S. justice system and a way forward for the grieving Ferguson community. Rev. Michael McBride, director of PICO’s Live Free Campaign, will moderate the panel.
“While media and politicians like Gov. Nixon are focused on the threat of violent protests, looting and rioting, they are still not addressing the root of the problem – a broken justice and political system that systematically leaves communities of color devalued and disenfranchised,” McBride said.
“Many communities of color have lived in a state of emergency for decades; they’ve been oppressed and hurting for decades. It’s long past time we start talking about the positive power of the young people in this community who are searching for a way forward for Ferguson, for justice and against the dehumanization of people of color.“
What: Teleconference with Ferguson youth and clergy ahead of Michael Brown / Darren Wilson grand jury announcement
Where: Dial In: 877-888-4312
Conference ID: Ferguson
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. CT / 9:00 a.m. MT / 8:00 a.m. PT
RSVP: RSVP to Heather Cabral, heather@westendstrategy.com, 202-776-7700
Who:
*Rev. Traci D. Blackmon, Pastor, Christ The King United Church of Christ
*Rika Tyler, Youth Activist
*T-Dubb-O, Youth Activist, Rapper
*Teff Poe, Youth Activist, Rapper
* Patrisse Cullors, Black Lives Matter
Moderator
*Rev. Michael McBride, director Lifelines to Healing Campaign, PICO National Network
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PICO National Network is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. PICO works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 60 local and state federations. PICO and its federations are non-partisan and do not endorse or support candidates for office. PICO urges people of faith to consult their faith traditions for guidance on specific policies and legislation.
Learn more at www.piconetwork.org.
