Congressional Black Caucus
"The Conscience of Congress since 1969"
www.congressionalblackcaucus.net

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Representative William Jefferson (D-La.), will deliver the weekly CBC "Message to America" radio address this Saturday, September 3 2005.  Representative Jefferson will discuss the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina.
 
 The CBC "Message to America" is distributed nationwide to the American Urban Radio Network's (AURN) affiliate stations.

            WHO:        U.S. Representative William Jefferson (D-La.)
            WHEN:      Saturday, September 3, 2005; 12:06 p.m. EST
            WHERE:   American Urban Radio Network Affiliate Stations

Representative Jefferson is expected to deliver the following remarks:

“Hello, this is Representative William Jefferson and I represent the city of New Orleans and the surrounding suburbs.  I am happy to speak to you today on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus. 

“As you know, Hurricane Katrina devastated our city with its high winds and unprecedented flood waters.  As you may have seen in media reports, many displaced New Orleans residents are our poorest citizens and most of them are African-American.

“We, as a community, need to rally around our people, our neighbors.  I am issuing a call of action to our sororities, fraternities, civic organizations, professional and community groups, churches, school groups – everyone to lend a helping hand.  The displaced people in Louisiana and neighboring states need clothes, shoes, canned food and juices, water, toiletries, feminine products and other items necessary for survival in their temporary situations. 

“I urge you to host food and clothing drives; get out in your community. If you live in a community that is hosting a large number of Katrina refugees, please do all that you can to help them.  If you have family from New Orleans, please take them in.  This is a time for us to come together and support those in need, and we are in dire need. 

“To find out more about how you can help, please call the Red Cross at 1-800-HELP-NOW.  Contact the local Red Cross chapter in Houston to donate directly to those people transferred to the Houston Astro Dome. 

“And finally, thank you all for your prayers and support.  On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am Congressman William Jefferson and this has been the CBC Message to America.”

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