Congressional Black Caucus To Hold Candlelight Vigil for Katrina Victims
Hurricane Katrina Survivors, Members of Congress to Pay Tribute to Hurricane Survivors as Opening Event of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 35th Annual Legislative Conference
WASHINGTON, D. C. (PRWEB) September 19, 2005
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus will be joined by Hurricane Katrina survivors who are housed at the DC Armory for a Candlelight Vigil. The event is open to the public and will take place at 8:00 p. m. on Wednesday, September 21st on the West Lawn of the NationÂ’s Capital.
This Candlelight Vigil will pay tribute to Katrina survivors and those who have worked tirelessly to assist with the restoration of the Gulf States. Participants will be provided the opportunity to express condolences for those affected by the tragedy through music, speech, prayer and candlelight.
“This vigil symbolizes the Caucus’ recognition of the need for a spiritual and uplifting focus for the ALC, rather than one of celebration and jubilation as is typical of the event. We are coming together as a community with those who have fallen victim to this disaster for a period of reflection and prayer,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX). “We must now work to help restore and redevelop the lives impacted most by Hurricane Katrina,” she said.
Congresswoman Jackson-Lee spearheaded the Candlelight Vigil, as her congressional district of Houston, TX shoulders a large part of the burden of Hurricane Katrina survivors who lost their homes and loved ones. The Candlelight Vigil is just one of the activities planned as part of the Congressional Black CaucusÂ’s 35th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), the premier African American conference on policy issues. The Congressional Black Caucus has also established a CBCF Katrina Relief Fund and has joined forces with UPS to collect donated items. Upon the completion of the Annual Legislative Conference, donated items will be distributed to shelters and churches through the Gulf States as well as areas that have welcomed Katrina survivors.
“Hurricane Katrina will be a key issue for this year’s Annual Legislative Conference,” stated Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL), who, along with Jackson Lee, will Co-Chair the ALC. “CBC’s Foundation will work to develop legislation to aid in long-term recovery efforts in the Gulf States. Our legislation will focus on recovery, reclamation, restoration, rejuvenation, and reunion,” he said.
The CBCFÂ’s 35th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) provides the platform for the 43 African American Members of Congress to share the progress of their work on legislative items and also allows for the exchange of ideas correlated to policy issues that are of critical concern to their constituents. The ALC provides the opportunity for people from across the nation to come together in one place, at one time to focus on the pressing issues that challenge Black America. The CBCF, established in 1976, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute focused on leadership education, public health, economic development, and African Globalism.
For more information on the CBCF Katrina Relief Fund, please visit www. cbcfinc. org.
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CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS HOLDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR KATRINA VICTIMS
Hurricane Katrina Survivors, Members of Congress to Pay Tribute to Hurricane Survivors as Opening Event for Congressional Black Caucus FoundationÂ’s 35th Annual Legislative Conference
WHO: Current and Former members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Hurricane Katrina Survivors, and D. C. residents.
WHAT: Hurricane Katrina Candlelight Vigil. Participants will be provided the opportunity to express condolences for those affected by the tragedy through music, speech, prayer and candlelight.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 21, 2005; 8:00 p. m.
WHERE: West lawn of the NationÂ’s Capitol
WHY: The Hurricane Katrina Candlelight Vigil will pay tribute to Katrina survivors and those who have worked tirelessly to assist with the restoration of the Gulf States. Participants will be provided the opportunity to remember and express condolences for those affected by the tragedy through music, speech, prayer and candlelight.
The Congressional Black Caucus FoundationÂ’s (CBCF) 35th Annual Legislative Conference provides the platform for the 43 African American Members of Congress to share the progress of their work on legislative items and also allows for the exchange of ideas correlated to policy issues that are of critical concern to their constituents.
The CBCF, established in 1976, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute focused on leadership education, public health, economic development, and African Globalism.
Note to the Media:
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are available for media interviews upon request.
For more information contact:
Shera Higgs (202)225-3816
Patty Rice (202)263-2829
Priscilla Clarke (202)723-2200
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