Justice Advocates Seek Community Role in Choice of Director for Independent Police Review Authority Press Conference Monday September 9th
Please review content on press conference on Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, at 11:00 AM, outside the Chicago Police Department headquarters at 3510 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago. To confirm your attendance or to secure an interview, please contact one of the media representatives below.
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Jerry Thomas
Jerry Thomas Public Relations
Justice Advocates Seek Community Role in Choice of Director for Independent Police Review Board
CHICAGO (Sept. 6, 2013) – In the wake of a jury’s award last month of $8.5 million to the family of Aaron Harrison, a young black man killed by Chicago police six years ago, social-justice advocates are seeking a role in the selection of a director of the Independent Police Review Authority.
WHO: Family members of Aaron Harrison, and the Leaders Network co-chairs, the Rev. Marshall Hatch Sr., pastor of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church and the Rev. Cy Fields, pastor of New Landmark Baptist Church
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, 2013
WHERE: In front of the Chicago Police Department’s headquarters on 35th and Michigan Avenue, Chicago.
The Leaders Network, a social-justice organization made up of clergy from approximately 30 churches, will call for a public hearing before the city names the new director of the Independent Police Review Authority. That position is vacant and community leaders believe more community involvement in that selection would help to avoid costly litigation from families seeking justice for police misconduct and to improve relations between police and the community. An improved relationship is critical to reducing the crime and violence in the city. The ministers will be joined by members of Harrison’s family.
A jury took less than three hours to reach its verdict in the family’s wrongful death lawsuit.
The police had said that 18-year-old was shot after raising a gun at an officer during a chase, but five witnesses testified that Harrison did not have a gun and did not point one at an officer. The Independent Police Review Authority sided with police, ruling that the shooting was justified.
The Leaders Network is made up of clergy, mostly representing churches on the west side of Chicago. The pastors began organizing in 2005 after the Hurricane Katrina for empowerment, advocacy, and disaster relief. To learn more about the Leaders Network or to secure an interviews, please contact Ivan Thomas at ivan@jerrythomaspr.com or call 847-863-1067.
marksallen2800@aol.com
Chairman & COO National Black Wall Street Chicago
(Rev. Willie T. Barrow Consumer Education and Consumer Action Project)
Founder/Lead Organizer, Illinois Voter Restoration Civic Education Project
Chief of Staff to National Chairman, National Black Wall Street USA
"And The Ordinary People Said" News Blog, www.chicagonow.com
Chairman, Community Reinvestment Organizing Project
Listed in 2012 Edition Who' Who In Black Chicago
4655 South King Drive, Suite 203
Chicago, Illinois 60653
(Office) 773-268-6900 or direct 773-392-0165
The Rev. Al Sharpton calls Mark Allen "one of Chicago's legendary political activists and one of the best organizers of his generation"
Chairman & COO National Black Wall Street Chicago
(Rev. Willie T. Barrow Consumer Education and Consumer Action Project)
Founder/Lead Organizer, Illinois Voter Restoration Civic Education Project
Chief of Staff to National Chairman, National Black Wall Street USA
"And The Ordinary People Said" News Blog, www.chicagonow.com
Chairman, Community Reinvestment Organizing Project
Listed in 2012 Edition Who' Who In Black Chicago
4655 South King Drive, Suite 203
Chicago, Illinois 60653
(Office) 773-268-6900 or direct 773-392-0165
The Rev. Al Sharpton calls Mark Allen "one of Chicago's legendary political activists and one of the best organizers of his generation"
https://theblacklist.net/
Replies