FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 11,

Contact: Michael Green: 212-690-0797/646-488-9576

Nellie Hester Bailey: 646-812-5188

Benefit for Harlem Tenants Council and Lawsuit Challenging 125th Street Rezoning Salutes Imhotep Gary Bryd

On Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 8:00 PM in the auditorium of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Center located at 310 West 43rd Street, the 1199 SEIU African American Committee will host a benefit performance of "The Meeting" for the Harlem Tenants Council (HTC), a not for profit tenants rights organization on the frontline fighting gentrification and displacement of low income tenants in Harlem. HTC is also one of several petitioners on a lawsuit challenging the rezoning of Harlem's 125th St. corridor that will displace thousands of low income residents throughout Central Harlem and drive out 71 local businesses on 125th St.

Jeff Stetson's awarding winning play, "The Meeting" directed by Eric Coleman features Lawrence Winslow as Malcolm X, Michael Green as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ron Wilkes as Rashad, the bodyguard of Malcolm X. This powerful drama depicts a fictional secret meeting between Dr. King and Malcolm X in Harlem's historic Hotel Teresa one week before Malcolm's assassination in 1965. Intimate and intensely fervent, "The Meeting" focuses on issues still relevant today including war, police brutality, joblessness, urban removal and general survival for people of African descent.

The benefit will kick off at 6 PM with a VIP Reception honoring Imhotep Gary Byrd of the GBE Radio Network broadcasting on WBAI Pacifica and WBLS FM Radio stations. Byrd, the most recognized Black progressive voice on radio in the US was cited for the honor because of his unwavering commitment in reporting on issues of unity and struggles confronting people of African descent. In particular, his outstanding and continuous coverage of gentrification and displacement in Harlem, world renowned as the "Black Cultural Mecca" in the US. Luminaries saluting Imhotep Gary include Herb Boyd, author and journalist; Camille Yarborough, accomplished entertainer, educator and author; Ron Daniels, Institute of the Black World; Elombe Brath, Pan African Activis and radio host; Vinette Pryce, journalist and radio co-host with Imhotep Bryd; and Peter Noel, journalist and radio commentator plus many more.

VIP Reception $75 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM: LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & AUCTION; Tickets in advance $20/$25 at the door or a group of 10 at $15. Door for the performance opens at 7:30 PM. Performance begins at 8 PM SHARP. Panel Discussion to follow. Proceeds from the benefit will also go to VOTE people for its lawsuit against the 125th Street rezoning. You can also email: Michael Green: shadesofjade00@hotmail.com or Harlem Tenants Council: Harlem tenants@gmail.com. Visit the website of VOTE People for details of the lawsuit: VOTE People » HOME. Please make check payable to Harlem Tenants Council, 501 c3 tax exempt organization.

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