CONTACT: Books Through Bars
Linda A. Duggins, 917-716-9373

NEW YORK - July 19 - Dozens of authors and journalists will join advocates in support for maintaining and increasing educational programs and resources for people incarcerated. The July 24 mid-summer gathering will be held on Pier 63 at West 23rd Street. The event, a benefit for the not-for-profit literacy program, Books Through Bars, will also feature two major panel discussions and selected readings.

"Voices Through Bars" -- a panel of authors formerly incarcerated sharing their writing experiences both in front of and behind prison walls. (1:30 to 2:45 p.m.)

-- Dr. Divine Pryor is the moderator.

Panelists include:

-- Michael B. Jackson (How to Do Good After Prison" A Handbook for the "Committed Man")

-- Eric Waters (Black Shadows, Through the White Looking Glass)

-- Evans Hopkins (Life After Life: A Story of Rage and Redemption)

"The Media, Incarceration and Public Policy -- Is There a Connection?" -- a panel of authors, journalists and experts discuss the impact of the media and public policy on incarceration rates. (3 to 4:15 p.m.)

-- Eddie Ellis is the moderator. Panelists include:

-- Walter Mosley (47, Little Scarlet)

-- Amy Goodman (The Exception to the Ruler: Exposing Oily Politicians, War Profiteers, and the Media that Love Them)

-- Herb Boyd (Pound for Pound: A Biography of Sugar Ray Robinson, We Shall Overcome: The History of the Civil Rights Movement As It Happened)

-- Juan Gonzalez (Fallout: The Environmental Consequences of the World Trade Center Collapse)

-- Deborah Mathis (What God Can Do: How Faith Changes Lives for the Better)

When: Sunday, July 24 from noon to 5:30 p.m.

Where: Pier 63 Maritime, 23rd Street and 12th Avenue

Featured speakers include:

-- Terrie Williams, The Terrie Williams Agency, The Stay Strong Foundation

-- Deborah Mathis, America's Black Forum, nationally syndicated columnist, Tribune Media Services

-- Juan Gonzalez, president, NAHJ, columnist New York Daily News

-- Dr. Divine Pryor, executive director, Nu Leadership Policy Group

-- Jimmie Briggs, Goodwill Ambassador and Special for Children and Armed Conflict by WAFUNIF at the United Nations

Books Through Bars is an all-volunteer project that distributes free books and reading material to those incarcerated nationwide.