NOW and Progressive Allies to Announce New Orleans March

November 1, 2005

On Wednesday, Nov. 2, NOW President Kim Gandy will join the Hip Hop Caucus, Rep. Cynthia McKinney, New Orleans organizers and other civil rights allies to announce a Nov. 7 march across the bridge to Gretna, Louisiana.

In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, New Orleans authorities instructed people to evacuate the city by crossing the Crescent City Connection Bridge into the city of Gretna. Hundreds of Katrina survivors, mostly African American, attempted to take this route and were met by armed Gretna police who had reportedly been ordered by the police chief to seal off the bridge, denying safe passage to evacuees. According to eyewitnesses, police officers fired shots in the direction of the crowd and held some at gunpoint.

Who:	Kim Gandy, NOW President and New Orleans native Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-Ga.) Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Hip Hop Caucus and other progressive allies
What:	Announcement of Nov. 7 march over the Gretna bridge
When:	Wednesday, Nov. 2 11:00 am - 12:00 noon
Where:	Cannon Terrace (Independence & New Jersey Ave., SW)

"By marching across the bridge to Gretna, we will send a message to the police that their actions were unacceptable and inexcusable, and that people are willing to stand up against racism" said Gandy. "People who were already living in poverty in New Orleans before Katrina have been met with indifference by our government. They deserve better — they deserve jobs, housing and a role in the reconstruction of their homes and communities."

Gandy concluded: "As our country honors the legacy of Rosa Parks this week, we must remember to speak up when we witness injustice and pain. The Nov. 7 march to Gretna will begin a yearlong march to Nov. 7, 2006 — Election Day."

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906

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