U.S. Senator Barack Obama Confirmed to Speak During Fourth of July Weekend at the 13th Annual Essenc

[Kingstree]

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,123142.shtml


NEW YORK, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Senator Barack Obama has confirmed an appearance at the 13th Annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on Thursday, July 5, 2007, it was announced today by Essence Communications, Inc. The Democratic presidential candidate will address the nation's largest annual gathering of African-Americans celebrating Black music and culture at the Festival's opening night concert in the Louisiana Superdome.

After being displaced to Houston in 2006 due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the 13th Annual Essence Music Festival will celebrate its homecoming to New Orleans this July 5, 6, and 7 with the biggest names in entertainment and the country's most dynamic speakers, authors and leaders. In addition, the renowned "Party with a Purpose" has partnered with the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) to support education. A portion of all concert ticket proceeds will benefit the CDF Freedom Schools in New Orleans.

"We are delighted to welcome Senator Obama to the Essence Music Festival main stage Thursday night, July 5th, to address an audience of tens of thousands African-Americans from all over the country," said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications, Inc. "I am certain that our Festival-goers, who are 'Coming Home' to celebrate our culture and help support the children of New Orleans, will look to Senator Obama to provide insight and inspiration within the context of observing America's Independence Day."