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The A. Philip Randolph Institute Convenes in Jacksonville, Florida for 39th National Education Conference
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The A. Philip Randolph Institute
Convenes in Jacksonville, Florida for
39th National Education Conference
Home of founder A. Philip Randolph, Jacksonville expects thousands
Press Release Contact: Jan Temple
August 6, 2008 202-246-5716
The A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) convenes its annual 39th National Education Conference on August 13-17, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Washington, D.C. based nonprofit chose the Jacksonville site for this year’s conference as it holds significant meaning to the Institute and its members as Jacksonville is the childhood home of founder, Asa Philip Randolph. Randolph was born a few miles away in Crescent City, Florida, but grew up in Jacksonville.
“A. Philip Randolph and his work are a proud and important part of Jacksonville’s history. To celebrate his legacy and the many years he spent in Jacksonville, the city has previously named important civic assets -- including a park, a roadway and a school -- in his honor,” said Mayor John Peyton. “We are proud to host such an esteemed group of leaders as they gather to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing this city and other communities throughout the nation.” Mayor Peyton will join other dignitaries on Friday morning, August 15 to address the Conference.
Randolph is known as an early leader in the civil rights movement by his advocacy of social justice for African American laborers and equality for all underserved minority workers. He successfully organized the Pullman porters into the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, and is well-remembered as one of the primary organizers of the momentous 1963 March on Washington for “Jobs and Freedom. But his history of active civil rights involvement began long before that historic time.
Florida State Senator Anthony C. “Tony” Hill reminds us, “This APRI National Education Conference is very timely in view of the fact that July 26, 2008 marked the 60th anniversary of Executive Order 9981 issued in 1948 by President Harry Truman to ban segregation in the military. What is lost on most is that A. Philip Randolph’s nonviolent organizing against discrimination was a key instrument in effecting the implementation of that crucial document. To have the Conference in Mr. Randolph’s hometown speaks volumes to us Floridians who did not meet him personally, but have become disciples in the movement as a result of his work.”
Themed, “Lift Every Voice!”, more than 1,000 APRI members from more than 150 chapters in 36 states, along with other delegates and visitors, are expected to participate in training modules and seminars geared to address pertinent issues of concern to the voting populace. The training sessions are designed for APRI members to simulate similar programs and sessions in their local communities.
“This Conference is particularly important as it is a tremendous opportunity to encourage thousands more to participate in our electoral process in this critical election year. The resolution of the many challenges we are addressing which will require legislative solutions will depend on how we will affect the political process. This promises to be one of the largest contingents of youth dialoging and conferring with trade union leaders and activists about advancing the agenda of One Fight for Social and Economic Justice. We petition all to lift every voice on Election Day…and Vote,” said APRI President Clayola Brown.
The Opening Session on Thursday, August 14 will feature a Forum addressing “The Power of the Black Vote”. Moderated by XM radio host and civil rights activist, Joe Madison “the Black Eagle”, this discussion will precede an Authors Pavilion where convention goers will have an opportunity to speak with activist Bill Fletcher, author of the book, “Solidarity Divided”; Ken Riley, subject of the book, “On the Global Waterfront: the Fight to Free the Charleston 5” and National Labor College professor, Dr. Yvonne Leftwich Scruggs, author of “Sound Bites of Protest”.
The second Forum on Friday, August 15 will address the “Housing Crisis” with panelists from several lending and banking institutions. Two sessions of eight workshops are scheduled for Thursday, with an additional session on Friday. Workshop sessions will center on the following subjects: Disenfranchisement of the Vote, Voter Mobilization, Healthcare Issues, Communicating the Message, Mental Health, as well as a session on the Digital Television Transition.
The Friday luncheon on August 15 is expected to be filled to capacity to hear renowned civil rights activist and religious leader, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. who will be the keynote speaker.
In addition to the vast array of forums and training workshops that will be presented during the conference, cultural events for conference attendees are being coordinated by the offices of State Senator Anthony C. Hill, Florida State APRI President Charles Spencer and Jacksonville, Florida APRI Chapter President William Merriman. Attendees are in for an enlightening week of activities designed to awaken artistic appreciation of Randolph’s Jacksonville, beginning with a special unveiling and an “Evening of Art & Entertainment” at the Ritz Theatre & Museum in the historic LaVilla District on Wednesday evening, August 13.
Long-time Jacksonville resident and one of the Conference organizers, Charles Spencer, brings to light the numerous marks of distinction that Jacksonville has bestowed upon this native son. He said, “We are so honored to have the Conference here, where Mr. Randolph spent his boyhood and attended local schools. We are reminded of his influence on the national stage every time we walk down A. Philip Randolph Boulevard or take a moment to spend time in A. Philip Randolph Park.” Last October, Mr. Spencer, who is a member of the APRI National Board lead fellow board members on a tour of the A. Philip Randolph Academy of Technologies.
One of the activities which has become a signature event of the APRI Conference brings old and young together for popcorn and movie night, featuring positive role models and engaging topics. Talented actor, and film co-star, Nate Parker will join APRI members in discussing the movie, “The Great Debaters” on Thursday evening, August 14.
The Conference will conclude with a Black Tie Gala Awards Dinner at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center on Saturday evening, August 16. Honorable Corinne Brown, representing Florida’s 3rd Congressional District will receive the A. Philip Randolph Freedom Award, civil rights activist and chairman-emeritus of the NAACP, Myrlie Evers-Williams, will receive the Rosina Tucker Award and Wellington Chibebe, the President and General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, will receive the inaugural A. Philip Randolph “Norman Hill” Award.
Additional information on the A. Philip Randolph 39th National Education Conference can be found on the website: http://www.apri.org/ .