FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 10, 2005

For More Information, Contact:
Queen Mother Falaka Fattah
215-473-5893; fax 215-879-5340
falakafattah@aol.com

PRESS RELEASE

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS PEACE STRATEGY
HOUSE OF UMOJA KICKS OFF FAITH OF OUR FATHERS PEACE CAMPAIGN WHERE FORMER GANG MEMBERS SUPPORT YOUTH IN CREATING PEACE

Philadelphia, PA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 marks the implementation of peace strategy, FAITH OF OUR FATHERS, at Overbrook High School of the Philadelphia School District.

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS PEACE CAMPAIGN is a comprehensive cultural effort to persuade today’s youth to make a commitment to peace. Students are empowered to make personal commitments to be positive change agents in their school and community by acknowledging the committed actions of their forefathers to bring peace their communities, acknowledging and professing that they, the youth of today, are great people, and not engaging in violent behavior in and out of school.

The strategy for FAITH OF OUR FATHERS PEACE CAMPAIGN is based one of the House of Umoja’s most powerful proven strategies; its peace campaign, “No Gang War In ‘74”. “No Gang War In ‘74” called for gangs in the city of Philadelphia to sign a peace pact, the Imani Pact. Over 100 gangs in Philadelphia signed a tangible contractual agreement to the community that they would no longer engage in gang war. It is the unbroken promise of those young people who today are fathers that is the proof, reasoning and example for today’s youth.

In April of 2004, Kyree Cohen, a 17 year old student of Overbrook High School, was gunned down and killed. Kyree became the 26th student to have been killed that school year in Philadelphia. This crime mobilized the community residents, businesses, and organizations of the Carroll Park community, who came to the House of Umoja to help implement proven strategies to decrease the violence in the community. The House of Umoja responded with its community outreach program, “Peace In The Hood”.

After the implementation of safe corridors in the schools within the 110th district, on October 12, 2004, former gang members who were key participants in the “No Gang War In ‘74” peace campaign identified and mobilized key persons involved in serious violent conflicts that was going on at that time. These peace agents along with the House of Umoja spearheaded a private mediation between the conflicting parties. Rev. Rudolph Mills, pastor of Friendly Friends Baptist Church, opened the church doors to this needed meeting which was comprised of Christians, Muslims, and non-religious young adults.

Just as people said the sins of the father are visited upon the future generations, we are saying that the blessings of the fathers can be the blessings of future generations

Whereas, much of the work that has been done in this area has been done quietly, we hope that this proven strategy has been successful

We have established a relationship working with the schools, businesses, churches, and residents. This on-going relationship with the students and community has allowed a platform of being heard and of acceptance where we can request an action of self-empowerment by the students; pledging to peace through a contractual agreement.

Faith of Our Fathers campaign will initially be implemented in Overbrook High School beginning Wednesday, October 12, 2005.