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Buffalo Truth Commission on Poverty

Buffalo Truth Commission on Poverty

Presenter(s): CEJ Buffalo, Food for All, VOICE-Buffalo, WNY Peace Center
Date: January 25, 2018, 6-8 pm
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SEIU/1199 Main St. Office
2421 Main St
Buffalo, New York 14214

"Truth Commissions have been used around the world to hear neighbors affected by injustices, heal communities, and envision action for the future," says Truth Commissioner and PPG Deputy Director Andrea Ó Súilleabháin. "Today we remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. King and I am reminded of my call to ministry," says Rev. Kirk Laubenstein. "When Rev. Dr. King was assassinated he was planning the Poor People's Campaign which would bring together poor people across the nation regardless of their color, creed or anything else that would divide them."

 

It is time to speak truth to power!

The Truth Commission on Poverty in New York State and the Coalition for Economic Justice invite you to join us Thursday, January 25, 2018 6-8pm to give testimony to our struggles.

Register here

We call all people who have been impacted by poverty, discrimination, and related injustices, direct service providers, advocates, faith and religious leaders, and experts to a seat at the table to address:

-How poverty and injustices have impacted you, your family, and/or your community.

-The impact the leadership, organizing, resistance, and resilience you've seen or experienced in your communities.

-Your values and vision for a just community.

Our goal is to tell the truth about ongoing injustices in New York communities, develop stronger relationships and commitment to solidarity, and to support local efforts organizing and advocates in combating poverty.

A light dinner will be provided to all who attend.

To RSVP or for more information please contact Rev. Kirk Laubenstein at 716-892-5877 or kirk@cejbuffalo.org.

New York has one of the highest income inequalities in the nation, with over 50% of children living in poverty in the city of Buffalo alone, and one out of every 2 people are living in poverty or are low income today.

The Truth Commission on Poverty in New York State has found that "Families with a black head-of-household are twice as likely and Latino-headed families are two-and-a-half times more likely to be low-income than white-headed households. In addition, Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo all rank in the top 10 U.S. metro areas with the highest concentration of black and Latino poverty. " (Source: https://laborreligion.org/truthcommission/).

Despite New York State's progressive reputation, racial and economic injustice are devastating and dividing communities.