Chicago, IL. ---- {Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-1^st); Chairman Fred Hampton, Jr.; Bill Hampton; a block of religious, community and business leaders; and, the All Chicago Committee for Chairman Fred Hampton Way

 WHAT:           Will conduct a news conference to announce a massive petition drive to advocate against any measure to stall or defeat a measure to rename a portion of Monroe Street in honor of slain Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, Sr.

 WHEN:           Wednesday, March 29, 2006

                        9:00 a.m.

 WHERE:        City Hall – 2^nd Floor

                        118 N. LaSalle, Chicago

 WHY: Cong. Rush and the Committee to support 2^nd Ward Ald. Madeline Haithcock’s proposal to rename the block of 2337 W. Monroe, where Mr. Hampton and Mark Clark were massacred in a dubious 1969 raid by members of the Chicago Police Department, in tribute of the slain leader.  While Chicago police officials claim Mr. Hampton advocated the killing of police officers, history bears witness that neither Mr. Hampton, Cong. Rush, who then was the leader of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party as its minister of defense, advocated such actions unless as a means of self-defense.

                        In addition to serving in Congress, Rep. Rush is also the Democratic committeeman for the 2^nd Ward where the honorary street designation will exist.