John Lewis and Other Phi Beta Sigma Members to Celebrate 50th Anniv. of March on Washington

The Honorable Congressman John Lewis will join members, such as Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. and Reverend Al Sharpton, of his Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. brotherhood to commemorate the historic “March On Washington” 50 years later.

Washington, DC — Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc (PBS) are invigorated by their passionate return to Washington, D.C to celebrate the 50th Anniversary March for Jobs and Freedom.

On Saturday, August 24, 2013, Honorable Congressman John Lewis will join his Sigma Brotherhood members, such as Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Reverend Al Sharpton, Founder of National Action Network to commemorate the historic “March On Washington” 50 years later. The campaign aptly called “Thunder Back” is a clarion call to Phi Beta Sigma Men nationwide to travel to the nation’s capitol to commemorate one of the largest gatherings of African Americans and reignite the fight for human rights and justice for all people.

In tribute to the courageous Freedom Riders of 1963, Phi Beta Sigma men and their supporters will board buses in seven major cities and travel to Washington D.C. to march with citizens from around the nation. The cities where buses will be boarded are Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, New York and Philadelphia.

“I am honored Congressman John Lewis, the only person living who spoke from the podium at the first March On Washington 50 years ago and Hank Thomas, an original 1963 Freedom Rider, are participants in our ‘Thunder Back’ initiative,” said Jonathan A. Mason. “Though we have accomplished many of the objectives Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of 50 years ago, our work is not yet done. Thus, we return to Washington, DC to march for jobs, justice and equality!” Mason added.

As the leading proactive community services organization, PBS through its Thunder Back campaign is encouraging its chapters to reach out and recruit Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. sisters, Sigma Beta Club members and extended campus and community supporters to be participants in the historic celebration.

Sigma brothers and supporters can participate in three key events: (1) Town Hall Meeting on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 2168 Rayburn House Office Building, Gold Room, located at 45 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. Program starts at 4 pm. The Town Hall Meeting includes speakers Congressman John Lewis, Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., International President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Mary Breaux Wright, International President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Ivory Lyles, International Director of Social Action, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Hank Thomas, an original Freedom Rider and Dr. Anthony A. Samad, Author/Scholar/Columnist; (2) Civil Rights Breakfast Sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Sigma Sigma Chapter at The Club @ Bolling Air Force Base, located at 50 Theisen Street, NW, Washington, D.C. The breakfast begins at 7:45 am on Saturday, August 24, 2013 and features a conversation with Civil Rights Pioneers Congressman John Lewis and Dr. Cordy Tindell (C.T.) Vivian, President, Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Tickets cost $50 per person and (3) The 50th Anniversary March on Washington On Saturday, August 24, 2013. Sponsored by the National Action Network and Southern Christian Leadership Conference, The March begins at 10:00 AM at Lincoln Memorial, located at 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW, Washington, D.C.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., established in 1914 on Howard University, is a global organization with over 450 chapters and 150,000 members. To learn more, visit www.phibetasigma1914.org

source:
Ron Carter
tca@sbcglobal.net

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