Posted on 05/17/2004 5:20:27 AM PDT by chance33_98
Black Activist Group Speaks Out on Legacy of Brown Desegregation Decision
5/17/2004 6:00:00 AM
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To: National Desk
Contact: David Almasi of Project21, 202-371-1400 ext. 106 or Project21@nationalcenter.org
WASHINGTON, May 17 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In observance of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education school desegregation decision, members and staff of the Project 21 African-American leadership network are available for comment.
On Monday, May 17, Project 21 director David Almasi will be addressing the Brown legacy on the CNNfn program "Market Call" at approximately 9:50 am eastern. In addition, Almasi is the author of the Brown-related essay "Providing Opportunity" featured in the May 2004 issue of The World and I magazine.
"Brown brought opportunity," said Almasi in his essay. "By tearing down racial barriers to education, the Supreme Court essentially leveled the playing field for future generations.... Black America has benefited greatly from the legacy of the Brown decision, but it was simply a stepping stone on a long journey."
Project 21, a leading voice within the black community, has members and staff available for comment on the anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision as well as other issues affecting black America.
"The Supreme Court only opened the door to the dream," said Project 21 member John Meredith, the son of James Meredith -- the man who integrated the University of Mississippi in 1962. "It is up to each individual to decide whether or not he will walk through that door.... No matter the cost of one's personal sacrifice in the short run, it is worth it for every black person in America to walk through the door."
Project 21 member Mychal Massie adds, "Our ancestors died in slavery, dreaming of the day when their descendents would be able to read, write and compete in this country on a level with the best of white children. That day has come, and far too many squander those opportunities."
Project 21 has been a leading voice of the African-American community since 1992. For more information, contact David Almasi at 202-371-1400 ext. 106 or Project21@nationalcenter.org, or visit Project 21's website at http://www.project21.org/P21Index.html.
Ping =)
If the ancestors had remained in Africa they would not have had this opportunity.
I'm already sick to death of hearing about this anniversary, and I've only read the headlines (since I know exactly what every story will say).
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