Alpha Kappa Alpha to Address Civil Rights/Voter Rights/Racism at Town Hall

CHICAGO - June 18, 2014 - PRLog -- Chicago, Illinois – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will convene a Town Hall aimed at informing the public about pivotal civil rights, voter empowerment, social justice and legal issues impacting the lives of minority communities. The overarching goal is to provide a public forum to address, confront and spark a dialogue on issues disproportionately affecting the powerless and disenfranchised.

The Town Hall takes place on Sunday, July 13, 2014 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Convention Center. It will be driven by the theme: “A Call to Action: Our Rights and Our Responsibilities."

It is free and open to the public.

The major areas that will be addressed include:

•Allegations that America is reverting to a segregated society in the areas of education and healthcare.

•Charges that African-American males are being funneled into the schoolhouse-to-the-prison pipeline.

•Assessments of how challenges to Voting Rights Act have impacted the minority community. There will be specific emphasis on the Shelby County opinion

•The impact of Stand Your Ground Laws and other related legislation that impacts systemic racial bias.

In making the announcement, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International President, Attorney Carolyn House Stewart, said the agenda items to be covered embrace the Sorority’s social, civil rights, human rights and legislative agenda. This parallels the Sorority’s theme: “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Connection Committee is hosting the Town Hall.

The Sorority has assembled a broad cross section of leaders from the legal, civil rights and religious sectors to participate on the panel. They bring a unique perspective and worldview to these issues and are committed to raising awareness of critical issues, while arousing citizens to action.

Serving as moderator of the panel is Nina Turner, State Senator from Ohio.

Panelists include:

•The Rev. William J. Barber, II – Pastor – Greenleaf Christian Church – Goldsboro, N.C.

•The Honorable Eva M. Clayton (Retired) -  former member of Congress who represented eastern North Carolina from 1992-2003

•Reverend Dr. Carolyn Maull McKinstry - Activist

•Carroll Rhodes, Esq.  - Counsel for the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP.

•Thena Robinson-Mock, Esq. Project Director, Advancement Project | Ending the Schoolhouse-to-Jailhouse Track Program

•Debra Saunders-White, Ed.D. - Chancellor -North Carolina Central University

•The Honorable Terri A. Sewell – U.S Representative –Alabama

In reflecting on the breadth and depth of the panel and topics, President Stewart said it promises to stimulate a “spirited dialogue” that will be thought provoking and action inspiring. For that reason, she encourages the public to attend.

The Town Hall is one of a host of events that will be held during the Sorority’s convention from July 12-18. For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, log on to www.aka1908.com