PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 4, 2006 -- Robert “Woody” Woodward, the founder and guiding spirit of “Barbershop Talk Human Family Day” which will be celebrated Sunday April 9, has been honored by Congressman Chaka Fattah.

April 4 each year is designated “Barbershop Talk Human Family Day” by Mr. Woodward to honor the humanitarian work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the anniversary of his assassination.

This year’s celebration of diversity will be held on Sunday, April 9, from 4 to 9 p.m., at the Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square.

The Congressman’s proclamation stated Mr. Woodward “uses the barbershop as a forum to dialogue with visitors around the world. It recognizes the importance of dialogue and shared experiences as an opportunity to develop positive human relations.”

Congressman Fattah noted, “It is appropriate that we honor Dr. King’s life, not his death, with a day that celebrates his ideal that we are a single human family. In a city with the great diversity we have, this celebration is unique among events. Its goal is to bring people together around their similarities instead of their differences.”

The 6th Annual Human Family Day will feature salsa dancing, gospel rap, Philadanco performers, classical music, ethnic fashions, a culinary demonstration, a holistic health fair, and presentation of the Good Neighbor Award. All activities are free and open to the public.

Mr. Woodward is a poet, human rights activist, creator of the Barbershop Talk Network and owner of Woodward’s Barber Shop, 5031 W. Diamond Street, Wynnefield.

“We believe by bringing together cultures that are representative of the world community under one umbrella on this day,” he said. “Each culture will have a unique opportunity to showcase their culture's richness and contribution with great pride.” 

Mr. Woodward accepted the proclamation wearing all red, from cap to shoes. “It is the color of the blood that is within all of us. We are members of the same race, the human race,” he said.}