ORGANIZERS ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN OVER 40 OTHER EVENTS

(Little Rock AR - Thursday, July 26, 2007) – Ten days after announcing the availability of tickets to the September 25, 2007, Commemoration Ceremony, the Central High Integration 50th Anniversary Commission today announced that due to overwhelming response, there are no more tickets available.

“We knew that the public would want to attend the Commemoration Ceremony, but I think the pace at which ticket requests came in surprised us all,” said Commission co-chair Virgil Miller. “When the Mayor encouraged people to not wait until the last minute, they took his advice to heart,” continued Miller.

“Though there are no more tickets available to attend the Commemoration Ceremony in person, there are still many ways people can participate in the 50th Anniversary,” said co-chair Nancy Rousseau. “There are over 40 other events scheduled between now and November 7, and the list grows almost daily. To learn more about these activities and how you can participate, go to www.arkansasglobecoming.com.”

“We know that the Commemoration Ceremony will be aired live on local television,” said Miller. “The Commission is exploring opportunities to offer sites where people can gather and watch the Ceremony. We also expect that churches and community organizations will be organizing their own watch parties.”

Leading up to the Tuesday event will be a series of forums, a festival, and an ecumenical service. More details about each event will be released in the coming weeks. The schedule of Commission sponsored activities is:

• September 20, 2007 - “Character and Courage: Where Have We Been, Where Are We Now, Where Do We Need to Be” a town hall meeting focusing on race and education. It will be at the Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, 6420 Colonel Glenn Road. It will begin at 7:00 pm in the evening.

• September 21, 2007
Judicial Forums – a day-long series of speakers on a variety of legal topics. CLE credits will be offered for attorneys. Featured speakers include Dr. Charles J. Ogletree, Jr. and Theodore M. Shaw. This will be held at the UALR Bowen School of Law, which is co-sponsoring the forum with the Clinton School of Public Service and the Commission. An opening reception will be held on September 20.

• September 21-22, 2007
WorldFest – “The World is Watching Us! From Civil Rights to Human Rights: Celebrating Our Diversity.” The Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission (RCDC) is partnering with the Central High Integration 50th Anniversary Commission in presenting this edition of the RCDC’s annual event. It will be held in historic MacArthur Park from 9:00am to 9:00pm both days.

• September 23, 2007
An interfaith Ecumenical Service will be held at Robinson Center Music Hall at 3:00pm. It is being organized by Bishop Steven Arnold of St. Mark Baptist Church and Rev. Vic Nixon of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. The intention of this service is to bring the faith community together from all areas including those outside the Judeo-Christian background.

In conjunction with the Commission’s education efforts, the State Department of Education is presenting an essay and art contest in each of the school districts within Arkansas. More information on this program will be announced in early August.

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