Dean, Conyers, McKinney expected at March to Gretna on Monday.

[madfloridian]

http://www.louisianaweekly.com/weekly/news/articlegate.pl?20051107q

March demands accountability of Gretna police action
November 7, 2005

"A March to Gretna in protest of the actions of the Gretna police in the aftermath of Katrina and in support of displaced African-Americans from New Orleans, who continue to be denied access to participation and opportunity in the reconstruction process is planned for Monday, November 7.

"While we honor the heroic activism of Rosa Parks, we cannot celebrate the end to racism or injustice in this country," said Reverend Lennox Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus when announcing the March on the same day that the nation buried Rosa Parks.

According to organizers of the March, fifty years after a forty-two year old woman defied the denial of access to public transportation, African-Americans continue to be denied access - to the public roads and personal safety.

In the aftermath of Katrina, New Orleans authorities directed people to evacuate the city by crossing the Crescent City Connection Bridge which spans the Mississippi River linking New Orleans to the west bank city of Gretna. It's alleged that if you were black or in the company of blacks, armed Gretna police with guard dogs blocked you from evacuating New Orleans. Reportedly, under orders from Gretna Police Chief Arthur S. Lawson, the bridge was sealed off and evacuees denied safe passage when Gretna police officers fired shots in the direction of the crowds.

The March to Gretna, organized by the Hip Hop Caucus and UP (United Progressives) for Democracy, will commence with a rally at the New Orleans Convention Center. It is expected to attract Howard Dean, Chairman, Democratic National Committee; Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, and Congressman John Conyers."