Wednesday, April 18, 2001 Poets for Peace will add its voice to millions around the world dialoguing about American genocide, institutionalized racism, bigotry, sexism, homophobia and other forms of dehumanization. Responding to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan's challenge to civilizations, poets from across Atlanta will converge at AHOP's (African House of Poetry) ESP (Experimental Spoken-word Performances) hosted by Yohannes.

Asked why it is important to make such a statement, Yohannes said, "Quests for peace, environmental consciousness and fighting to end racism are individual responsibilities. Young blacks around the world face the same problems of poor education, biased criminal justice systems and a lack of access to economic opportunities whites routinely enjoy. Young black males are 80% of America's prison populations but make up less than 5% of students in American colleges. Cincinnati, Ohio is a microcosm of a country where young blacks are shut out of economic development and denied access to community resources. While the economy of the city has prospered during good economic times when the unemployment is an historic low, near 4%, the unemployment rate among young Cincinnati blacks hoovers at a depression rate of 40%. We want young people to understand that they have to become leaders to change this picture. There are new strategies, tactics and approaches to address black oppression and gain reparation. We must employ them."

Diane Mathiowetz, coordinator of Atlanta Millions for Mumia, will stop by with an update on efforts to free political prisoners, oppose the "War on Drugs" and end the death penalty. One of the ATL's young gun producer/directors of the Live Poets Society's spoken word play "A Troubled World," Abyss will blow the lid off confused about being black in America. Also, "Yellow Flower" Shawna Kent will bounce through with WORDS from the feminine perspective.

AHOP is located 840 Ralph David Abernathy Rd. in the West End. To RSVP, contact Yohannes voice- 404-241-5942 or e-mail icim@bellsouth.net. Come and join Yohannes and add your voice to millions in a prayer for peace through understanding. Go to www.dialoguepoetry.org or http//:www.un.org/Dialogue/background.html for more information about this worldwide effort.

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