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Southern Christian Leadership Conference

19. August 2011
by keith
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Emergency Board Meeting and Summit

SCLC Called Emergency Board Meeting and Summit in Swing State of Ohio to
Develop National Civil Rights Agenda

Dayton, OH. As the 2008 Presidential Election draws near, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Southern Christian Leadership Conference called an emergency board meeting to discuss the development of a comprehensive civil rights agenda. In a joint statement, SCLC Chairman Raleigh Trammell and President & CEO Charles Steele, Jr. stated:

“The National Board of Directors of SCLC gathered on October 18-19 in Dayton, Ohio to bring together a coalition of civil rights groups and activists to begin the development of a comprehensive civil rights agenda. The November 5, 2008 Presidential Election will be a defining moment in history as we shall either see the First African-American President or the First Woman Vice President, and the civil rights community needs to be prepared to present the next presidential administration with a set of core values and expectations as it relates to critical policy decisions that have civil and human rights implications. The next United Stated President, whether its Senator Barack Obama or Senator John McCain, must fully understand that civil rights has to be a central component to their agenda. When either of these gentleman make their inaugural address, a necessary part of their 100 day plan must include the return of civil rights as an element of America’s political agenda. The issue is no longer simply about race, although that issue remains near the top of our agenda, but the issue has to be expanded to ensure that every American has the real opportunity to make a livable wage, achieve the dream of home ownership, have quality and affordable health care, and ensure that their children can receive a quality and affordable education. In order to ensure that the recent $700 million federal bailout does not simply save the astronomical salaries of corporate executives, Americans must be diligent in holding out elected officials accountable. Economics has become the civil rights issue of the 21st Century and as such a plan must be formulated to ensure that no American is left behind.”

Former SCLC President, Mr. Martin Luther King III and Mr. Jonathan Jackson took part in the summit.

19. August 2011
by keith
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MLK Message in the Music

As we witness one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream’s become fulfilled, and America embarks on a new journey with the inauguration of President elect Barack Obama, we must not forget the messages of Dr. Martin Luther King and how he tirelessly fought for civil rights and justice for all. On January 12, 2009, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) presents “Message In The Music.” This compilation CD makes it possible for today’s younger generation to be exposed to a selection of Dr. King’s messages in an unconventional way. Music artists both known and new, have come together to record original songs with the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King resonating in the background. Each song off the 15 track album reminds us of the hopes and dreams Dr. Martin Luther King had for civil rights in America.

While the music moves you physically, the words of Dr. King move you emotionally. In an impressive collaborative way that is relative to today’s diverse musical tastes, “Message In The Music” features a variety of music formats. There is something for everyone on this album, from the soulful R&B sounds of Lenny Williams with the touching song “Dr. King We Love You,” to the Hip-Hop sounds of Snoop Dogg, and the Pop Dance sounds of new artist Shari Tanizawa. Executive Produced by Kevin Irving of Kirv Entertainment and Lanz Alexander, “Message In The Music” will be available at local churches, major record stores, digitally online as well as the official website www.mlkrecords.com.

The SCLC is still in existence today and proceeds from the sales of “Message In The Music” will benefit the continuous work of this historic organization which now focuses its efforts on hate crimes, discrimination, and police brutality. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was formed in 1957. It had two objectives, one to use nonviolent protest as a method of resistance to discrimination and the other to appeal to the moral conscience of Americans. After extensive discussion, the SCLC was founded by Martin Luther King, Ralph Abernathy, Fred Shuttlesworth, Bayard Rustin, and others. King was elected as the first president and Abernathy served as the treasurer. In the spirit of Martin Luther King,Jr., the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is renewing its commitment to bring about the promise of ‘one nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE’ together with the commitment to activate the ‘strength to love’ within the community of humankind.

19. August 2011
by keith
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Million March To Vote Success

PRESIDENT STEELE AND MUSIC PRODUCER GATHER HUNDREDS TO MARCH AND RALLY AT THE GEORGIA STATE CAPITOL

Civil Rights Leader Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. and Multi-Platinum Producer Kevin “Khao” Cates led a march and rally Sunday, November 2nd in Atlanta, Ga. The march and rally was the culmination of the Million March 2 Vote Campaign, a non-partisan nationwide effort that calls on civic minded organizations to encourage their members and constituents to vote.

The campaign targeted people that in the past may have never voted or been unaware of the steps to take to register to vote. The March began at 2:00pm and the Rally at 3:00pm. Participants assembled at Morris Brown Herndon Stadium at 12:30pm and marched down Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd to the Georgia State Capitol.
“It appears that the younger generations have lost sight of the struggles and obstacles that preceded them,” said Dr. Steele. “We want to rekindle that spirit in our youth and encourage everyone to use the right that so many have died for.”
“Our generation takes a lot for granted,” Khao said. “There is so much to learn from one another and it’s way overdue. There is lack of participation from us. I asked myself: who will be our leaders of tomorrow if we don’t make a stand and vote?”

Dr. Steele and Khao will continue working together with the Bridging da Gap Movement. Bridging da Gap is an International project meant to bring generations together to share information and create a society conducive to progress and awareness. Dr. Steele and Khao see the need to create a platform for the unification of youth and great leaders of the older generation. The project includes various recording artists joining together to record an entire album with proceeds going to benefit Youth Programs and development of educational programs that promote such growth. The first single launching this collaborative movement is titled “Bridging da Gap” featuring Khao and Dr. Steele. Bridging da Gap will include curriculum that address the problems faced by today’s youth, with solutions that spark discussions between the generations to permit an exchange of information.
Dr. Steele and Khao performed their riveting and powerful song at the Rally on Sunday. Celebrity guests were also in attendance and performed. Community leaders, politicians, hip-hop artists, professional athletes and music executives also joined Dr. Steele and Khao in the march.