For immediate release
March 27, 2009

Contact: Helen Mitchell
202-225-5006

Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL07) will release a report on the issues confronting African American families in conjunction with the introduction of the Julia Carson Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act of 2009.  The report, “Restoration: Re-establishing African American Families and Communities” which was first previewed at the September 2008 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference will be awarded a “Golden Addy” by the Advertising Club of Metropolitan Washington in the Public Service Category next week.

 

The report notes that:

    Today, American society is strikingly marked by inequality; in fact, it has the dubious distinction of being the Western society with the greatest differences between rich and poor.  Staggering inequality does not serve any society well, but, in America, a nation founded on the promise of equal opportunity, such stratification seems particularly egregious.  Clearly, intervention is needed if America is to achieve its goal of equal opportunity for all, and the statistics and factors outlined in this report show that such intervention is of particular importance in African American communities. 

    We need to promote a culture of high expectations and healthy relationships, especially among youth.  This idea can also be translated into how neighborhoods operate and how organizations do their business.  Programs that address the educational and social support needs of African American families will benefit all families, regardless of race, by strengthening economies, building communities of educated and productive citizens, and offering a“second chance” to those who seek to make a new start in life.

Representative Davis stated, “This report is not simply a snapshot of the state of African American families it is also a call to action.   “Restoration: Re-establishing African American Families and Communities”  helps define and refine a legislative road map outlining the role the public sector can play in addressing some of the most pressing issues confronting families in the African American community.”

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