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CRS FACILITATES THE PRESIDENT'S ONE AMERICAN DIALOGUE

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the Community Relations Service (CRS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice, announced the formation of a new partnership between the federal government and Black Pan-Hellenic Fraternities and Sororities to build strong race relations across the country. The partnership coincides with a call from the President in his One American Dialogue Initiative for forward action on race relations.

The announcement will be made in connection with the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference. There will be a photo opportunity at today's event. Participants and members of the Congressional Black Caucus will be available for media interviews at this time.

WHEN: Friday, September 15, 2000 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Renaissance Hotel, Congressional Room C 999 Ninth Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C.

CRS enlisted the services and assistance of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (a Black Greek Letter Fraternity), to take the lead in contacting and involving other Black Pan-Hellenic Fraternities and Sororities which represent over one million members and their families.

Participants in today's announcement include; Ben Johnson, Assistant to the President and Director of the President's Initiative for One America, Rose Ochi, Director of the Community Relations Service, Atkins Warren, CRS Central Regional Director in Kansas City, Missouri, Howard L. Tutman, International Grand Polemark of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Robert Hill, pastor of the Community Christian Church, Jim Fight, President of the Kansas City Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Mr. Jerry Singer, leader of the Brotherhood at Jewish Temple B'Nai Jehuda, and twelve Pan-Hellenic Fraternity Presidents.

The Community Relations Service, an arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, is a specialized federal conciliation service available to state and local officials to help resolve and prevent racial and ethnic conflict, violence, and civil disorders.

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