Black is Back Coalition Conference

Black is Back Conference on "Obama, the election and the struggle for justice, peace, a better life and black power" set for August 18-19 here in Newark. It is a conference of the Black is Back Coalition for Social Justice, Peace and Reparations.

Over the two days it will present a debate over the power of voting and an evaluation of America's first black president, Barack Obama, will be on the agenda at this gathering of political office holders, candidates, community activists and journalists.

Presenters include veteran activists and renowned journalists:

• Lawrence Hamm whose People's Organization For Progress (POP) has just completed 381 consecutive days of protest in New Jersey demanding jobs, peace, equality and justice.
• Omali Yeshitela. Chairman of the Black is Back Coalition and the African People's Socialist Party. Yeshitela founded the Uhuru Movement, which publicly challenged candidate Obama in a campaign stop in 2008, demanding "What about the Black Community, Obama?"
• Glen Ford, senior editor of the Black Agenda Report, will discuss the "Role of Money in Political Campaigns", an uncensored and factual account of the long-term policy-making impact of the corporate financing of political candidates.
• Nellie Bailey, co-convener of Occupy Harlem, leader of the Harlem Tenants Council, will share "Lessons from Electoral Politics in New York".

Political office-holders and candidates will discuss the use of the electoral arena to advance the interests of the black community:

• Charles Barron, NYC Councilman and former Black Panther Party member
• Chokwe Lumumba, Jackson, Mississippi Councilman and Chairman of the New Afrikan People's Organization
• Chimurenga Waller, former candidate for Pinellas County School Board and St. Petersburg City Council
• Diop Olugbala, 2011 candidate for mayor of Philadelphia and President of the International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement
• Ron Gochez - candidate for Los Angeles City Council, community activist

The Conference is free and open to the public. It will take place at the Alanon Club (384 7th Avenue), beginning at 10am on both August 18 & 19th. Visit blackisbackcoalition.org to register or call 202-681-7040 for more information.