PRESS ADVISORY: READING IS RESISTANCE: HOUSE OF UMOJA TO END BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH FEBRUARY 24, 2024 MOBILIZATION AGAINST BANNING OF BLACK LITERATURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA (USA) - 19 February 2024 - BACKGROUND:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania there has been legislative pushback against book banning courtesy of Pennsylvania State Senator, The Honorable Amanda Cappelleti of Montgomery County State, Wants PA To Prevent Schools, Libraries From Banning Books” at https://www.cbsnew.com/philadelphia/news/bill-prevent-book-bans-school-libraries-pennsylvania
According to the article, Senator Cappelletti introduced legislation into the Pennsylvania General Assembly that would prohibit schools and public libraries from banning books. When reached for comment, Senator Cappelletti was quoted in the article as stating:
“We are one of the worst states in book banning efforts in that we had 56 attempts to ban 302 unique titles.”

Anthony Bannister-Fattah (left) speaks at the entrance to Overbrook High School after leading a march to highlight the importance of fathers in preventing violence. He is accompanied by City Councilmember Curtis Jones (center) and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner (right). (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Therefore on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm, House of Umoja Inc will co-host art and activism series PIECES OF PEACE at Ultra Silk Gallery located 3808 Lancaster Avenue in University City. Event is partnered with The City Root, an online Rolling Stone-esque publication, features the “Books vs Bullets 1968 - Present,” a multi-sensory panel discussion accentuated by an art exhibit, and live performances.

Currently, the 55 year old House of Umoja Inc. is continuing its 17th year as the Philadelphia component of the National Million Fathers March;  the march mobilizes fathers and father figures to be active in their children’s education. In 2007, the late David Fattah, Sr., patriarch of the House of Umoja, were selected by the late Philip Jackson, Founder of the Black Star Project and the Million Fathers March, to implement the march in the City of Philadelphia, teacher, David Fattah, Sr. proudly took the mantle and for twelve years mobilized fathers, uncles, neighbors, mentors, and friends to walk their children to school on the first day, secured their children’s rosters, met their teachers and school staff, and became more engaged in their children’s education. 

With a special focus on non-custodial fathers, in 2019 the House of Umoja launched its “Fathers Lead to Read Literacy Campaign,” led by Anthony Bannister-Fattah. He is the grandson of Queen Mother Falaka Fattah, President and CEO of the House of Umoja, to encourage fathers and their children of any age to read and discuss books among one another as a bonding and educational exercise.

The City Root is an online, Rolling Stone-esque publication focused on the Greater Philadelphia Area that highlights the incredibly talented music scene and publishes important and entertaining stories and articles — from social commentary and media to sports and satire. Led by Publisher & Editor, Kevin Chevalier, The City Root is proud to bring Pieces of Peace to Ultra Silk Gallery alongside House of Umoja to showcase artist Amber Fulton, a student from the Philadelphia High School for Girls and the DASH program, and to offer a stage to an established group, Purple Phire, that deserves more shine. Further, Mr. Chevalier, a teacher and coach at Sayre, recognizes how valuable the Million Fathers March could be for his students and how beneficial an emphasis on reading will be in order to create more opportunities in higher education and in their future profession.

The House of Umoja, Inc., a Pennsylvania registered 501(c)(3) organization that empowers youth and communities through peace, culture, innovation, and education, drawing from its rich history of transforming lives, brokering peace, and creating global models of social change.

CONTACT:
Anthony Bannister-Fattah, Philadelphia Coordinator, 2024 Million Fathers March
Queen Mother Falaka Fattah, Advisor - 2024 Philadelphia National Million Fathers March
House of Umoja, Inc. (Umoja, Inc.)
(215) 473-5893
E-Mail: [email protected] ​