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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2012

Contact:  Dotty Griffith, Public Education Director, ACLU Foundation of Texas; (713) 942-8146 x 103

or (832) 291-4776; dgriffith@aclutx.org

Current Issues Underscore Significance Of Greater Houston Civil Rights Conference March 31

Deaths of Trayvon Martin and Beaten Iraqi Mother, Shaima Alawadi, In San Diego Are Extreme Examples of Need for Civil Rights Dialogue In America

HOUSTON – Civil rights issues, such as those raised in the Trayvon Martin and Shaima Alawadi cases, emphasize the timeliness of a forum “like this one,” said David Atwood of the Houston Peace and Justice Center (HPJC) and the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP). “On Saturday, we will address the important issues facing our community today. These issues impact the daily lives of all of us in one way or another.”

“Civic engagement organizations – representing a broad spectrum of interest and communities – are sponsoring the day-long program featuring speakers and discussion of issues related to:

• Civil Liberties post 9/11 & Islamaphobia;
• Immigrants’ Rights;
• Criminal Justice Reform & Racial Profiling.

Acclaimed journalist Amy Goodman, host and executive producer of Democracy Now! that airs nationally on public television and radio stations, will be the keynote speaker.

The program will also feature Oscar Chacon, Executive Director of the National Alliance for Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC); Corey Saylor, Legislative Director of the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR); and Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

“This is a historic gathering of a broad range of groups coming together in the name of civil rights and justice”, said Mustafaa Carroll, Executive Director of the Houston chapter of CAIR.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2012

Contact:  Dotty Griffith, Public Education Director, ACLU Foundation of Texas; (713) 942-8146 x 103

or (832) 291-4776; dgriffith@aclutx.org

Greater Houston Civil Rights Conference March 31

Broad Coalition presents: “Civil Rights in the 21st Century: Uniting Communities for Justice”

HOUSTON – Highly acclaimed journalist Amy Goodman, host and executive producer of Democracy Now! that airs nationally on public television and radio stations, will be the keynote speaker at a March 31 conference organized by a diverse coalition of civil rights organizations.

In addition to Goodman, who can be heard locally on Pacifica Community Radio (KPFT 90.1 FM), the program will also feature Oscar Chacon, Executive Director of the National Alliance for Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC); Corey Saylor, Legislative Director of the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR); and Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

“This is a historic gathering of a broad range of groups coming together in the name of civil rights and justice”, said Mustafaa Carroll, Executive Director of the Houston chapter of CAIR.

Civic engagement organizations – representing a broad spectrum of interests and communities – are sponsoring the event. A day-long program will feature speakers and discussion of important issues related to civil liberties post 9/11, immigrants rights, and criminal justice reform.

David Atwood of the Houston Peace and Justice Center (HPJC) and the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCAD) said, “We will address the important issues facing our community today. These issues impact the daily lives of all of us in one way or another. Economic rights and social justice are inextricably linked with civil and political rights.”

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The Greater Houston Civil Rights Coalition was formed in 2011 and serves the mission of uniting diverse communities to address the pressing civil rights issues of today. Its main goal is to enhance collaboration and communication between diverse communities to create awareness, positive change, social and civic participation and becoming a Beloved Community.