ROOT Inc.

MESSAGE FROM ROOT FOUNDER & CEO

The summer, if past research and trends of violence continue, has the potential for increasing incidents of gun violence and incidents of violence perpetrated by youth and others.

I would ask that you listen to this broadcast to hear candid discussion from youth about violence, gun violence, music and its effect on violence (including go-go music), how their lives are being affected, and how attention is not being paid to the effect violence has on our youth.

I would ask that once you hear the broadcast let me know of your opinions, suggestions, comments, etc.

Also, as I have stated in numerous past posts, if we wish to seriously address the issues of gun violence and increasing incidents of youth violence, we must address them as a community united together and not fractionalized by race, gender, class, economic status, or religion. Nor can we depend on government or police to be the only solutions without both our guidance and input as the communities and citizens being affected.

That is why we are taking our campaign to the communities and public housing complexes most affected in an effort to reduce incidents before they happen. Amazingly we find that most residents, regardless of community or race, are just as concerned about gun violence and youth violence regardless of the neighborhood and gladly sign our petitions.

We must take a proactive approach and cohesive effort rather than reactionary measures.

Kenny Barnes

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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Priscilla Clarke (202) 723-2200

June 9, 2006

PRESS RELEASE

WPFW RADIO EXCLUSIVE BROADCAST OF GUNS ASIDE YOUTH FORUM, THIS SATURDAY JUNE 10 AT 8:00 A.M.

ROOT Inc Collaborates with the Department of Employment Services, the Department of Health, the Department of Housing, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), DC Idol Hands and the Pink Hat Patrol for

Summer “Guns Aside Campaign�

Washington, DC (June 9, 2006)— January of 2006 was declared Guns Aside month in a unanimous decision by the DC City Council and a resolution was presented to ROOT, Inc, The “Guns Aside Campaign�, a proactive campaign spearheaded by ROOT, Inc. to reduce gun violence and youth violence, has had a major impact on the Washington, DC area. On Saturday, June 10, 2006, the Guns Aside Campaign will hit the airwaves; WPFW 89.3 FM will broadcast the Guns Aside Youth Forum that took place at Suitland High School at 8:00 a.m. (the forum was previously recorded on June 5, 2006). Students discussed candidly and openly how gun violence affects their communities, the interrelation between music and violence, and solutions to deter violence has impacted their lives and affected their communities. ROOT is making its presence known throughout the Metropolitan Area by taking the in-your-face Guns Aside Campaign to “the streets� while continuing efforts to eradicate gun violence.

This summer ROOT will collaborate with the Department of Employment Services (DOES), DC Department of Health (DCDCH), the DC Department of Housing (DCHD), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), DC Idol Hands and the PINK HAT PATROL to produce a number of community-building activities and events with the ultimate goal of eradicating gun violence in Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas. One of the programs consists of ROOT and its partners providing assistance to former felons and other individuals who have had difficulty finding employment. Additionally, ROOT will go door- to-door to spread its message of anti-gun violence, as well as patrol “hot spots� with the young ladies of DC Idol Hands and the Pink Hat Patrol. ROOT will encourage residents and youth to sign a “GUNS ASIDE� petition and voter registration petitions.

During the summer, WPFW and ROOT will host monthly community forums to address the issues of gun violence and attempt to establish community solutions to stop violence. AMERIGROUP and ROOT are partnering to produce signage for the “GUNS ASIDE� Campaign to be placed on metro buses frequenting routes in areas most affected by gun violence. ROOT will be in public housing communities on a daily basis as well as various sectors of communities throughout the metropolitan Washington area.

Press Info: Priscilla Clarke (pclarkepr@aol.com) Clarke & Associates @ Tel. 202-723-2200 or visit www.clarkepr.com ROOT Info: ROOT, Inc. at 202-332-7668 or visit www.rootinc.com

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Petition (Text) to Rid Our Community of Gun Violence

Petition summary and background: Since the year 2000 there have been over 1,000 murders, as a direct result of gun violence in Washington, DC. ROOT Inc. urges communities to ban together in a movement to end this senseless violence and make public officials accountable to this epidemic. The toll on communities affected by Gun Violence has an everlasting effect on its citizens, not just with the numbers lost to homicides but by the devastating emotional impact on the community as a whole.

Guns Aside Pledge: There is homicide and violence all around me. Neither my family nor my friends are safe any more. The welfare and safety of my family and friends are my number one concern. I have decided to take action myself. I pledge GUNS ASIDE.

Action petitioned for: We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our leaders to act now to make gun violence a priority and to direct the necessary resources to support efforts designed to stop the incidents of gun violence in our communities.

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