FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2012
For More Information: Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137
Mrs. Amina Turner, Executive Director, 919-682-4700
Atty. Jennifer Marsh, Legal Redress Coordinator, 919-682-4700
(DURHAM) - A week after extremist leaders in the NC Legislature forced a vote on teachers' rights, the Historic Thousands on Jones Street People's Assembly Coalition announces it will bring thousands from across the state to protest these attacks on basic human rights.The North Carolina NAACP and partners in the Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) People's Assembly Coalition will gather outside the NC General Assembly (16 W. Jones Street) on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 4:00 PM to announce the 6th Annual HKonJ People's Assembly in Raleigh, NC. The sixth straight People's Assembly is set for a month from now--February 11, 2012.
In the case of rain, the news conference will take place inside the General Assembly in room 1228, next to the Press Conference Room.
"In the face of the extreme right wing's attacks on voting rights, public education, workers, women, voting rights, public services to poor people and minorities, and in light of the lack of commitment to address the economic crisis, create jobs or deal with poverty by the leadership of the NC General Assembly, the anti-racist, anti-poverty and progressive movement in North Carolina announces today the 6th Annual Historic Thousands on Jones Street People's Assembly in Raleigh," says Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, president of the NC NAACP.
"While the extremists violate minority rights after midnight, when they hope no one is watching or listening, we convene our 6th Annual HKonJ People's Assembly on Saturday morning, February 11th, 2012 in broad daylight," Barber continued. "Our coalition is broad and deep; we welcome all people who believe in doing what is best for the good of the whole. The midnight tactics of the right wing will not prevail. The people's movement will never back down. We will never give in to these regressive forces."
The annual People's Assembly gathers at the historic Shaw University at 9:30 AM Saturday, February 11, 2012 and marches to the General Assembly on Jones Street. The theme for this year's People's Assembly is "Forward Together, Not One Step Back!"
The Coalition will also announce a visit by National NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Jealous to take place later this month.
"The nation is watching North Carolina as a crucial state where voting rights and economic justice are under attack," stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. "On February 11th, people of all colors will come together to challenge persistent poverty, unequal education and voter suppression in North Carolina. We will show the nation that America is at its best when we struggle together for inclusiveness, diversity and opportunity."
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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
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