{"id":4479,"date":"2015-04-07T23:10:54","date_gmt":"2015-04-08T04:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wordpress\/?p=4479"},"modified":"2015-04-07T23:12:51","modified_gmt":"2015-04-08T04:12:51","slug":"stories-that-shaped-a-nation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=4479","title":{"rendered":"Stories That Shaped A Nation"},"content":{"rendered":"

APRIL 26 & 27, 2015<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

ALLENTOWN THE PLACE FOR CELEBRATION RECOGNIZING THE WOMEN LEADERS OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

April 7, 2015<\/span>, Allentown, Pa. \u2013 Stories that Shaped a Nation<\/em>, a two-year national awareness campaign, is being launched April 26 and 27, 2015<\/span>, in Allentown, on Coretta Scott King\u2019s 88th<\/sup> birthday and comes to a close on April 27, 2017<\/span>, on what would have been her 90th<\/sup> birthday. Events will take place at the new Renaissance Center and Freedom Memorial in downtown Allentown, Pa. Stories that Shaped a Nation<\/em> is a non-partisan, inclusive collaboration of the U.S. Library of Congress, women leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus and \u201cThe Freedom Memorial of the Lehigh Valley,\u201d the only memorial in the world featuring both Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King.<\/p>\n

Honorary Co-Chair Congresswomen of Stories that Shaped a Nation<\/em> are U.S. Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) and U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-9). \u201cThis is going to be historic, actually epic,\u201d says Clarke. \u201cAll of these women who have been luminaries will be there, to be recognized for all they sacrificed to make a difference in the lives of all Americans. I am looking forward to making my way to Allentown for this event.\u201d\u00a0 Says Fudge, \u201cThanks to the women of the Lehigh Valley. Thank you for recognizing that women should have a place in the history of our nation. I am excited to be coming to Allentown.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis two-year campaign launches The Freedom Memorial of the Lehigh Valley\u2019s work to champion Civil Rights education with inclusion of important and relevant curriculum for school children,\u201d says Sam (Siobhan) Bennett, a co-founder of the Freedom Memorial located at 4th<\/sup> Street and Martin Luther King Drive, Allentown. \u201cIt is essential that Pennsylvania raise its current score of \u2018D\u2019, as cited by the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2014, as it pertains to Civil Rights education for school children in the commonwealth. We do so by celebrating women\u2019s vitally important presence in the history of the Civil Rights movement at this event, and by acknowledging those today who are actively playing a role in further shaping a nation.\u201d The Stories that Shaped a Nation<\/em> two-year campaign will expand the role of the Freedom Memorial to champion Civil Rights education for all schoolchildren, in Allentown, throughout Pennsylvania to the nation at large.<\/p>\n

\u201cAllentown is proud to serve as the home of the start of the two year Stories that Shaped a Nation<\/em> awareness campaign,\u201d say City of Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski.\u00a0 \u201cWe are a very diverse and inclusive community.\u00a0 Our children should know that women played a very important part in the struggle for civil rights and Allentown is pleased to be able to be the kickoff point for bringing those stories to the forefront.\u201d<\/p>\n

Collaborating with the U.S. Library of Congress, Stories that Shaped a Nation<\/em> will work over the next two years to gather and enhance the stories of the women icons it will honor in 2015, 2016 and 2017 to ensure their stories are preserved for posterity.<\/p>\n

(Note: The Freedom Memorial of the Lehigh Valley is also known as the Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King Memorial).<\/p>\n

Event Schedule<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Stories That Shaped a Nation: The Stories of 2015 Inaugural Class of Women Icons <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunday, April 26, 2015<\/span> \u2022 3:30 p.m. \u2013 5:30 p.m.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Panel Discussions: Renaissance Center, Allentown, Pa.<\/p>\n

Complimentary and open to the general public<\/p>\n

The Bottom-line Bene\ufb01t of Women at the Decision-making Table: From Corporate Board Rooms to the Civil Rights Movement\u00a0 from Out Places of Worship to the Halls of Congress<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunday, April 26, 2015<\/span> \u2022 6:00 p.m. \u2013 8:30 p.m.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Women\u2019s Networking Event: Renaissance Center, Allentown, Pa.<\/p>\n

Open to the general public. This ticketed event is $50 per person and includes beverages, hors d\u2019oeuvres and dessert.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Memorial and Music: Celebration of the Women Icons in Prayer and Song<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday, April 27, 2015<\/span> \u2022 9:30 a.m. \u2013 11:00 a.m.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Memorial Service: Freedom Memorial, Allentown, Pa.<\/p>\n

Complimentary and open to the general public<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

March from Freedom Memorial to Renaissance Center immediately thereafter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday, April 27, 2015<\/span> \u2022<\/span>11:00 to 11:20 a.m.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Immediately after the Memorial Service \u2013 Allentown\u2019s chief of police has approved a march from the Freedom\u00a0Memorial west on Union Street past St. James AME Zion Church north onto 7th Street to the Renaissance Conference Center where the awards luncheon will be held.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Honoring and Induction of the Inaugural Class of the Freedom Memorial of the Lehigh Valley\u2019s Women Icons of the March on Washington and Civil Rights Movement<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday, April 27, 2015<\/span> \u2022 11:30 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Awards Luncheon: Renaissance Center, Allentown, Pa. Open to the general public. Ticketed event $50 per person; plated luncheon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To purchase tickets and\/or register online for any event, go to stsan.eventbrite.com<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Women Honorees in Attendance: National Delegation<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Honorary Co-chair U.S. Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11)<\/p>\n

Immediate Past Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus<\/p>\n

Honorary Co-chair U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-9)<\/p>\n

Chair Sojourner Truth Legacy, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation<\/p>\n

Honoree U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43)<\/p>\n

Honoree Amelia Boynton Robinson<\/p>\n

Honoree Nikki Giovanni<\/p>\n

Honoree Elizabeth Eckford<\/p>\n

Honoree Paula Giddings<\/p>\n

Honoree Beverly Guy-She\ufb05all<\/p>\n

Honoree Ericka Huggins<\/p>\n

Honoree Frankie Muse Freeman<\/p>\n

Honoree Johnetta Betsch Cole<\/p>\n

Honoree Myrlie Evers-Williams<\/p>\n

Representative for Coretta Scott King, In Memoriam<\/p>\n

Representative for Rosa Parks, In Memoriam<\/p>\n

Representative for Ella Baker, In Memoriam<\/p>\n

Representative for Mamie Till-Mobley, In Memoriam<\/p>\n

Representative for Ruby Dee, In Memoriam<\/p>\n

Representative for Dorothy Height, In Memoriam<\/p>\n

Representative for Dorothy Cotton, In Memoriam<\/p>\n

Invited: Pennsylvania Black Legislative Caucus<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Louise Bishop<\/a> (D-Philadelphia | 192nd District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown<\/a> (D-Philadelphia | 190th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Michelle Brown-Lee (D-Philadelphia | 195th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. James Clay<\/a> (D-Philadelphia | 179th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Margo Davidson<\/a> (D-Delaware | 164th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Dwight Evans<\/a> (D-Philadelphia | 203rd District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Edward Gainey<\/a> (D-Allegheny | 24th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Jordan Harris<\/a> (D-Philadelphia | 186th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Sen. Vincent Hughes<\/a> (D-Philadelphia\/Montgomery | District 7<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Patty Kim<\/a> (D-Dauphin | 103rd District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Stephen Kinsey<\/a> (D-Philadelphia | 201st District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland<\/a> (D-Delaware| 159th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Sen. Shirley Kitchen<\/a> (D-Philadelphia | District 3<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. JP Miranda (D-Philadelphia | 197th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Cherelle Parker<\/a> (D-Philadelphia | 200th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. James Roebuck, Jr.<\/a> (D-Philadelphia | 188th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Sen. LeAnna Washington<\/a> (D-Philadelphia\/Montgomery | District 4<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Ronald G. Waters<\/a> (D-Philadelphia\/Delaware | 191st District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Rep. Jake Wheatley<\/a> (D-Allegheny | 19th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Sen. Anthony H. Williams<\/a> (D-Philadelphia\/Delaware | District 8) <\/a>Pennsylvania State Rep. Rosita Young Blood (D-Philadelphia | 198th District<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Commemoration Partners<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

National Penn Bank<\/p>\n

The Renaissance Hotel<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Sen. Pat Browne (R)<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Sen. Lisa Boscola (D)<\/p>\n

Organizational Partners (as of\u00a0 April 1, 2015)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Allentown NAACP<\/p>\n

Bethlehem NAACP<\/p>\n

Easton NAACP<\/p>\n

NAACP WIN Region 2<\/p>\n

City of Allentown<\/p>\n

Allentown School District<\/p>\n

Allentown YWCA<\/p>\n

Bethlehem YWCA<\/p>\n

The Caring Place<\/p>\n

Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley<\/p>\n

Kraemer Schurman Advertising & Design, Inc.<\/p>\n

County of Lehigh<\/p>\n

Lehigh Temple #930 Daughters of the Elks<\/p>\n

League of Women Voters Lehigh County<\/p>\n

League of Women Voters Northampton County<\/p>\n

Lehigh Valley Faces<\/p>\n

Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum and Lehigh County Historical Society<\/p>\n

Lehigh Valley Dietetic Association (LVDA)<\/p>\n

National Black MBA Association, Philadelphia Chapter<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania Black Legislative Caucus<\/p>\n

This is Your Life Association of the Lehigh Valley<\/p>\n

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s Leadership Council of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Freedom Memorial Board Members<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sharon Fraser, Board President<\/p>\n

Nathan Kline, Board Vice-President<\/p>\n

Adewale \u201cWally\u201d Dosunmu, Board Secretary<\/p>\n

Siobhan \u201cSam\u201d Bennett, Board Treasurer<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Many thanks to Kevin Easterling, Freedom Memorial Founding Team member<\/p>\n

All \ufb01nancial gifts should be made payable to: \u201cThe Freedom Memorial of the Lehigh Valley,\u201d <\/em>c\/o Board Treasurer 25 S. 15th<\/sup> Street Allentown, PA 18102.\u00a0 Please note:<\/p>\n

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is serving as the temporary fiscal agent for The Freedom Memorial of the Lehigh Valley DBA of The Martin Luther & Coretta Scott King Memorial.\u00a0 Registration doesn\u2019t imply endorsement.\u00a0 Your contribution is tax deductible.\u00a0 United Way encourages donors to be confident in their charitable giving. A copy of the official registration and financial information of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll-free, within PA 1-800-732-0999<\/a>.<\/sub><\/em><\/p>\n

Accommodations<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Freedom Memorial of the Lehigh Valley is underwriting the travel, meal and accommodation costs for its 2015 Honored Women Icons or their representatives. For other commemoration guests and participants, the following information on accommodations should be useful.<\/p>\n

Commemoration Launch Lodging & Meals<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Renaissance Hotel Commemoration 2015 Rate: $119 on the evening of Sunday, April 26, 2015<\/span>. All Commemoration 2015 Renaissance Hotel guests will be provided complimentary breakfast the morning of Monday, April 27, 2015, immediately prior to the Memorial Service.<\/p>\n

For those with tickets to the Commemoration 2015 Sunday<\/span> networking event and Commemoration 2015 Monday<\/span> luncheon, there will be ample food served for all attendees. The ticket cost is $50.00 each.<\/p>\n

For any additional lodging, meals or dietary requirements, please contact Megan Prosser, Renaissance Hotel Events Coordinator, at 484-273-4000<\/a> or mprosser@renaissanceallentown.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For more information, please contact:<\/p>\n

Siobhan \u201cSam\u201d Bennett
\n\u201cStories that Shaped a Nation\u201d Co-chair
\nThe Freedom Memorial Co-founder and Board Treasurer
\nsambennett25@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Information Provided By:
\nMike Moore
\nCommunications Manager
\nMayor’s Office
\n435 Hamilton Street
\nAllentown, PA 18101
\n610.437.7653
\nMike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
\nhttp:\/\/www.AllentownPA.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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