Press Conference in front of White House is complete!!!

The Oct 11, 2000 Press Conference in front of White House is complete!!!

First, the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees wishes to thank and compliment the District of Columbia and White House security personnel for their competent service during the Press Conference. We also thank the hosts who so graciously provided lodging for many of the visiting participants. We give special thanks for the abundant bi-partisan support from the Senate and the House: your support and encouragement exceeded our highest expectations!

Following is a very short and quick summary of the event. This is being typed quickly, so please excuse any omissions. A detail report will be published after participants return to their home states:

SPEAKERS

Congressman Albert Wynn of Maryland began the conference and presented the leading theme. There were many other congressional and senatorial speakers plus advocates from various other organizations. These will be covered when the detail report is released.

CONGRESSIONAL MEETINGS

Even though time was limited and our representatives were occupied with floor votes plus international incidents, the Coalition was able to visit and talk with Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (Georgia), Tricia Geringer, Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman George Radanovich (California), and others.

The Coalition is very pleased with the bi-partisan support from the Senate and House membership

OTHER MEETINGS

A meeting with the Forest Service's Phil Janik, Kate Gause (new Forest Service Civil Rights Director), Clyde Thomsom, and Steve Nelson was held after the Press Conference. In attendance for the Coalition were Lawrence Lucas, Lesa Donnelly, Cathy Messerschmitt, Ivory Walker, John Vann, Joyce Kelly, and Allen Spencer.

A limited meeting was held with Rosalind Gray (USDA CR Director). In attendance were Lawrence Lucas and Allen spencer.

DISPLAYS AND VISITORS

HUNDREDS of pairs of shoes were sent to Washington, D.C. from all over the country, including Guam and Puerto Rico.

The shoes were laid out in an orderly manner on the sidewalk in front of the White House with attached statements including many affidavits, flags, pictures, military citations, trophies, and very, very touching symbols that brought out the true impact of the USDA discrimination against the public it is supposed to serve and against it's very own employees, including their children and other family members.

There were countless tourists from countries from all over the world, including representatives of the United Nations, who not only stopped to find out what our story was, but they also kneeled down and read the statements attached to or written on the shoes. Then carefully photographed the messages. There concern and compassion is greatly appreciated. For those of you from those other countries who visit this WebSite, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

PRESS COVERAGE

Lawrence Lucas spoke for over one hour on the Bev Smith radio show. The follow up calls maxed out Mr. Lucas' voice mail system!

All of the media have contacted Lawrence for follow up stories. The crew for Tom Brokaw (NBC) filmed and interviewed Coalition members for a television program which will air in the future.