From the Desk of Kenneth E. Barnes., Sr.

 ROOT is about to embark on an ambitious and aggressive campaign in an effort to stem the ever increasing violence occurring within our communities.  True to our core beliefs, we feel that by drawing attention to the problem, and recognizing there are serious problems, we hope to bring about solutions.

 We would like to thank the Twenty First Century Group, its CEO Adrian Harpool, Ashley. Jim, and the rest of the organization for joint venturing on an ambitious campaign to direct efforts against gun violence in the urban environment.  This campaign, the concept of Garry Bellamy of the Twenty First Century Group, is both unique and historical.  The ‘Guns Aside’ campaign will officially be launched at the Father’s Day Press Conference on June 17, 10 AM , at the National Press Club.

 We thank Dr. Gloria Wyche-Moore of UDC and Sam Newman for having the vision to joint venture with us we seek solutions at our forum at UDC on Friday, June 18 from 8:30 AM – 1 PM .  A special debt of gratitude goes out to Dr. Roger Mitchell for discussing the concept of a seminar to seek solutions to the problems of homicide and violence while we were traveling together .

 We are honored to have as our facilitator and convener, Dr. John L. Johnson.  Dr. Johnson will be conducting perhaps the first open space seminar conducted in this area.  We thank Dr. William Pollard, President of UDC, for his support, his encouragement, as well as his offer of UDC and its resources to find solutions.

 We believe that it is not just a right, but our duty, to vote.  When we vote we empower ourselves.  When we do not vote, it is as if we do not exist.  Therefore, we are both proud and honored to align ourselves officially with the Hip-Hop Summit Network and its campaign to register voters.  We have been in close contact with Rev. Lennox Yearwood, National Grassroots Director for HSAN, and will support and endorse the efforts of voter registration, particularly at the grassroots level.

 We believe that every life is valuable, not just when sensationalism creates the news.  Therefore ROOT believes that we must ignite our community to rise up against the apathy we foster among ourselves, and not depend upon government or an administration that may not always take into consideration its best needs.  It is our firm belier that apathy occurs not only from the top down, but from the bottom up.  If we as a community do not rise up and demand that our lives and those of our children not be taken for granted, then why should we expect anyone else to do so.

 Therefore, our Rally at Freedom Plaza on Father’s Day is dedicated to the memory of all homicide victims and to honor their families for the suffering and the agony each have had to endure by the tragic loss of a loved one due to a senseless act of violence.

 In our next newsletter after our Father’s Day Initiative, we will discuss and present programs in which ROOT is involved, initiating, or affiliated to help stem the tide of violence.

 ROOT would like to extend a personal thanks to Tyrone Parker, Rico Rush, and the Alliance of Concerned Men for assisting us with our new office space in the Alliance Building at 2905 11th Street, NW , Washington , DC , 20010 .

 Finally, from a personal standpoint, I have just been elected Chairperson of the Community Council Board of Advisors for WAMU Radio, 88.5 FM - WAMU : About : Community Council -  .  I would be remiss if I did not say I am truly honored.  WAMU has been going through some difficulty as some may be aware, but I truly would like to thank the staff and management, David Taylor, Anne Healy, Mark McDonald, Bonnie Gantt, the new Vice Chair (and friend) Lou Stamberg, et.al. for both the manner in which they have helped with this new transition and having confidence in my abilities.

 More importantly however my personal thanks need to go to one of the most decent, honorable, finest human beings I have ever met, Marion Liteman.  If it were not for Marian, I would not be at WAMU for Marian recommended me for a position on the Council; were it not for Marian’s deciding to leave the Council, I would not be chair; were it not for Marian’s wisdom and guidance, I would not have accepted the position.  For it was Marian in all of her wisdom that stated if WAMU were to continue its mission of outreach to the Community at large, it was my duty to stay and represent her and the legacy she began

 So to Marian I have accepted this position in your honor to fulfill your commitments, and to follow in your footsteps.  Thank you so much.  I truly respect and admire you.  By the way, Jeff, Marian’s husband, is a great guy, and a great person, as well.

 Kenny Barnes

 

Be sure to tune into these TV and radio broadcasts to hear and see ROOT members discussing the 2nd Annual Father's Day Commemoration where we will be asking for a MORATORIUM ON MURDER and Honoring Homicide Victims and Their Families.

ROOT MEDIA INTERVIEWS THIS WEEK

 

Alvin Jones Radio Show – Too Much Information

XM Radio and simulcast on WOL 1450 AM

Wednesday June 16, 2004 from 12 AM to 2 AM

Ava Harrison and Mr. Barnes

 

FOX 5 Morning News, Washington , DC

Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 7:30 AM                                                                                                                                                                

Mr. Barnes and Marita Michael, mother of slain Anacostia High School student, Devin Fowlkes will appear on morning edition,

 

Press Conference, National Press Club, 529 14th St., NW

Thursday June 17, 2004 at 10 AM

ROOT announces 2nd Annual Father’s Day Commemoration Ceremony remembering homicide victims and honoring their families; launches the first major initiative against gun violence specifically geared towards the urban environment – “Guns Aside”; major initiative towards voter registration.

 

WPGC Donnie Simpson Morning Show

Friday, June 18, 7:30 AM

Mr. Barnes and Ernest Thomas (Roger of “What’s Happening and Malcolm X)

 

NBC 4  Morning News, Washington , DC

Friday, June 18, 2004 at 8:45 AM

Mr. Barnes and Ernest Thomas

 

Heaven 158O AM Radio

Friday, June 18, at 3:05 PM

Mr. Barnes interview with Kevin Jones

 

WOL 1450 AM

Friday June 18, from 6 PM to 6:30 PM

Ayo Handi Kendi and Mr. Barnes

 

WHUR Evening Edition with Rene Nash

Friday June 18, at 6:40 PM

Dr. John L. Johnson and Rick Bailey

 

SPN Network (Cable)

Saturday, June 19, 3 PM

Ernest Thomas and Mr. Barnes