New York (February 25, 2005)- In an effort to direct a call to action and develop concrete solutions to challenges facing today.s Black Males, Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League will convene a Town Hall meeting at the Shelby County Correction Facility in Memphis, Tennessee, it was announced today.

The Black Male Commission (BMC) Town Hall meeting will be held at the Shelby County Division of Corrections Facility 1945 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee. The Town Hall meeting is a part of the National Urban League.s commitment to establish a Commission on the Black Male: Renewal, Revival, and Resurrection. In addition, the National Urban League will present a new study, LOCKDOWN: The Race to Incarcerate African Americans which examines the disproportionate rates of incarceration in some states compared to actual crime rates. Click here to view the Executive Summary. Click here to view the complete report LOCKDOWN: The Race to Incarcerate African Americans.

.Too many of our children are growing up without a father in the home. Too many of our young males are drifting into the underclass of joblessness and hopelessness. Too many of our young black males believe that manhood is defined by the ability to injure or damage another man. Too much homicide, too many guns - that.s why the National Urban League established a National Commission on the Black male,. said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League.

.As I mentioned in my inaugural speech to the convention in 2003, we must convene this commission to examine the problems facing Black Males and develop solutions. There is no better place to continue the dialogue than a correctional institution, where unfortunately a high amount of Black males are located..

The BMC is charged with exploring and formulating concrete recommendations and solutions to address the alarming inequities, disparities and social trends disproportionately affecting Black males. It was also created to influence the policies, practices and programs aimed at ensuring Black males are empowered, prepared and equip to participate in the social, political and economic mainstream of America.

Confirmed speakers include: Marc H. Morial, President & CEO National Urban League, Dr. Darryl Tukufu, President Memphis Urban League; Dr. James Lanier, Senior Scholar, Institute for Opportunity & Equality, National Urban League; George Little, Division Director, Shelby County Correctional Facility, John Fowlkes, Shelby County Chief Administrator, AC Wharton, Shelby County Mayor and Circuit Court Judge D.Army Bailey.

Speakers will discuss the following issues as they pertain to the Black Male: Health and Quality of Life, Education and Youth Empowerment, Economic Empowerment, Civil Rights and Social Justice, Civil Engagement and Social Responsibility and Relationships.

# # #