FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHO: "Black Voices for Peace", a coalition of African Americans joining forces with Arab and Jewish leaders, clergy and grass-roots individuals and organizations

WHAT: "BLACK VOICES FOR PEACE" MOVEMENT TO LAUNCH NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT CIVIL LIBERTIES, PROMOTE ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND END WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST AT NATIONAL MINI-CONFERENCE ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., NATIONAL HOLIDAY - JAN. 21, 2002 (2 - 7 P.M.)

WHEN: Tuesday, January 15, 2002

TIME: 1 - 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: National Press Club First Amendment Room

Invited to the Press Conference: Long-time human rights and peace activist, Damu Smith, founder of Black Voices for Peace, will be joined by the Rev. Graylin Hagler, Pastor, Plymouth Congregational Church; Ruby Sales, Director, Spirit House; Joshua Ruebner, Executive Director, Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel (JPPI); Mauri Saalakhan, Director, The Peace and Justice Foundation; Dr. Ziad Asali, President, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee; Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, Muslim Chaplin, Howard University, Ron Daniels, Director, Center for Constitutional Rights, New York; and representatives of Jewish peace organizations.

On January 21, hundreds of mostly black community organizers and grass-roots leaders will gather from around the nation, at Metropolitan AME Church for the "2002 + PLEDGE FOR PEACE" - A National, Spiritual Teach-In, Mini-Conference and Rally in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther Kings' holiday. The activists will: 1. adopt an action plan to launch a national campaign to promote a permanent peace and new U.S. foreign policy; 2. organize support for workers displaced by the events of September 11th and affected by the Anthrax crisis and 3. Develop an agenda of activities to oppose the Justice Department's anti-terrorism proposals.

The most controversial aspect of the campaign to be launched is the decision by leaders of "Black Voices for Peace" to organize black community opposition to U.S military and financial support for Israel's policy of occupation, settlements and violence against the Palestinian population. Moreover, "Black Voices for Peace" will call upon the U.S. to end the bombing campaign in Afghanistan and provide massive long-term, humanitarian and economic assistance to the people of this war-ravaged country.

"Black Voices for Peace" was formed to organize black community opposition to the war policy of the Bush administration and the assault on the Constitution and civil liberties. On October 16, 2001, nearly 400 persons attended the first "Black Voices for Peace" national, community dialogue, held at Howard University School of Law. The movement now includes participation from persons and groups in nine cities.

For further information or to RSVP, contact 202-232-5690.
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BLACK VOICES FOR PEACE P.O. Box 77144 Wash., D. C. 20013-7144 1-800-820-BVFP (2837) 202-232-5690 (D.C. area) www.bvfp.org

TO ALL MEDIA HOSTS:

The recent announcement of the third U. S causality in Afghanistan serves as a grim reminder of the reality of the war against terrorism. While support for such a war is still controversial, a coalition of African Americans called, "Black Voices for Peace" are coming together with Arab and Jewish leaders and clergy on January 21, 2002 to commemorate Dr. Kings national holiday at the "2002 + Pledge for Peace", a National, Spiritual Teach-In, Mini-Conference and Rally" and to launch a campaign towards stopping the war in the Middle East.

Activists will not only impart the information and skill tools needed to encourage action for permanent peace with justice and respect for all human rights, but most importantly: 1. will adopt an action plan to launch a national campaign to promote a permanent peace and new U.S. foreign policy; 2. organize support for workers displaced by the events of September 11th and affected by the Anthrax crisis; and 3. develop an agenda of activities to oppose the Justice Department's anti-terrorism proposals, including the ending of bombing in Afghanistan.

Your audience is in for a controversial and lively discussion. Consider interviewing: Long-time human rights and peace activist, Damu Smith, founder of "Black Voices for Peace". Damu Smith has emerged as one of the most eloquent, passionate and knowledgeable spokespersons on domestic and foreign policy issues. In recent weeks, he has been a forceful critic of the Bush Administration's response to the September 11 attacks. He has appeared on major national newscasts and talk shows and has been quoted in several national and local publications, notably NightLine, CNN, the MacLehr Report. the Washington Post, Life Magazine, Time Magazine, Crisis Magazine.

Or consider an interview with Roxanne Watson, a youth peace activist and Coordinating Team Member for BVFP, who is in support of BVFP's opposition to the war in Afghanistan.

To schedule an interview, before January 21, "2002 + Pledge for Peace" or for day of event coverage, please contact: Ayo Handy Kendi, P.R. Committee, BVFP, AAHA at 202-232-5690 or page 202-206-5665.