Media Advisory - November

MEDIA ADVISORY

STUDENTS AT CHARLES HART MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SOUTHEAST DC RALLY FOR GUNS ASIDE AND AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE DURING ASSEMBLY RESCHEDULED IN SUPPORT OF PEACE MONTH AND NATIONAL DAY OF CONCERN

WHO:              The Hart Middle School Marching Band, Students, Principal Willie Bennett, Jr., Counselor Ann Broglio, teachers, faculty and ROOT (Reaching Out to Others Together).

Invited participants include: Dr. Clifford B. Janey, Superintendent of DCPS, Dr. Gloria Grantham, Asst. Superintendent  (Division V), Dr. William Pollard, President, University of the District of Columbia, Neil Albert, Deputy Mayor, Children, Youth, Family & Elders, Attorney Kenneth L. Wainstein, US Attorney for District of Columbia, Joel Maupin, Commander 7^th District, MPD, Rev. Donald Isaac, Executive Director, East of the River Clergy, Police Community Partnership, William Lockridge, DC Board of Education Member, District IV, Kwame Brown, Marion Barry (former Mayor), Sir Reigns, Donna Davidson, Parent Partnership Officer, DCPS, Gregg Pane, MD. Director, DC Department of Health and Marilyn Seabrooks, Maternal and Child Health Officer DC Department of Health.

WHAT:            On October 20, students throughout the District of Columbia participated in the National Pledge Against Gun Violence. This event was a part of a month-long effort to empower young people to work for peace by taking a stand against drugs and violence. The assembly had to be postponed because of the tragic and sudden death of the mother of Ann Broglio, counselor at Hart and facilitator for assembly.

The entire student body at Hart will once again assemble at 10 AM to rally against gun violence and take the Guns Aside pledge. Three Hart students affected by gun violence, along with the Hart Middle School Marching Band, will lead the rally. Each student signing pledge cards will receive Guns Aside T Shirts. Students also participated in an essay contest about why "Guns Aside."  The top three essay writers will receive savings bonds, and each participant will receive gift certificates.

WHEN:            Tuesday, November 23, 2004 @ 10:00 AM.

WHERE:         Charles Hart Middle School, 601 Mississippi Ave, SE. Washington, DC.

Principal: Mr. Willie Bennett, Jr., Tel. (202) 645-3420.

WHY:               Homicide and violence among youth continues to escalate at alarming, seemingly epidemic proportions. The number of homicides in 2004 is already 200% higher than all of last year.  We need to stand up against gun violence, and our children will help lead this effort.

PRESS CONTACT:  Priscilla or Don Clarke, Clarke & Associates, LLC - pclarkepr@aol.com , Tel. 202-723-2200 or visit http://www.clarkepr.com/