Hundreds Join Rep. Hank Johnson for Education Forum

Press Release

Hundreds of concerned citizens from throughout the District joined Congressman Hank Johnson and several speakers for a recent forum on education entitled, "Making Education a Priority Again Among Black Males." The free forum was the third hosted by the Congressman to focus on education and it brought an overflow audience to Georgia Perimeter College in Clarkston.

The forum featured two panels moderated by CNN's Roland Martin and Karla Winfrey, Black Box, Winfrey-Giles Productions: Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Armstrong Williams, Syndicated Radio host; Kevin Liles, Warner Music Group; Dr. Anthony Tricoli, Georgia Perimeter College; Dr. Walter D. Broadnax, Clark Atlanta University; Roberta Shields, Ludacris Foundation; Judge Gregory Adams, DeKalb County Superior Court; David Schutten, Organization of DeKalb Educators; Malik Salaam, Author and Filmmaker; Keisha Hanson, Lakeside High School; Orie Ward, Phoenix Enterprise; Frank Ski, V-103 Radio; B.J. Bernstein, Esq.; and Shelley Wynters, WAOK Radio.

According to Rep. Johnson, the issue forum was designed to probe the ever widening achievement gap experienced by African American males. "In our global society education is critical. Our youth must compete with their peers as well as job seekers from around the world," he explained. "Yet, statistics tell us that there is a serious problem among young Black men. We've got to break this cycle."

Last year, Congressman Johnson hosted a forum that sought strategies to improve the No Child Left Behind federal program.

MAKING EDUCATION A PRIORITY: Rep. Hank Johnson hosted his third forum on education during a recent Congressional recess. Over 225 concerned citizens - including students, parents and educators, participated in the Saturday event. Two expert panels (pictured) included Mayor Shirley Franklin, radio celebrities, music industry leaders, university presidents, an artist, attorney and judge. CNN's Roland Martin and Black Box's Karla Winfrey served as moderators.

Source