For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Kerry-Ann Hamilton
Media Relations Manager
(202) 238-2332
k_hamilton@howard.edu

Howard University to Host Inaugural Symposium “Refresh the World”
Presented by Spike Lee and Pepsi

WASHINGTON (January 12, 2009) - In celebration of the 44th presidential inauguration, Howard University will host a daylong symposium “Refresh the World,” presented by Spike Lee at Cramton Auditorium on Monday, Jan. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The symposium will feature five 90-minute panels addressing education, the economy, gender, hip-hop and issues related to the African American community in a Barack Obama administration. Panelists include Joel Klein, chancellor of New York City Public Schools; Michelle Rhee, Superintendent Washington, D.C. Public Schools, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Rev. Al Sharpton, and political commentators Roland Martin, Donna Brazile and Amy Holmes Tickets may be obtained at Cramton box office.

For a full listing of Howard University’s 44th presidential inaugural activities, click here.

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 19
8:30 am – 7 pm with five individual sessions, one hour and 30 minutes each, as follows:

8:30 a.m. – Prologue: Introductions by D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, Spike Lee, Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau and Frank Cooper III from Pepsi.

9 a.m. – Refresh Education: Moderated by Prof. Charles Ogletree with Washington, D.C., New Orleans, New York City and Philadelphia Public School Superintendants.

11 a.m. – Refresh the Economy: Moderated by ABC’s Mellody Hobson with John Fund of the Wall Street Journal and the former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Dr. Andrew F. Brimmer.

1 p.m. – Refresh Gender: Moderated by MSNBC’s Michelle Bernard with Arianna Huffington, Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary and senior leadership of NOW.

3 p.m. – Refresh Hip-Hop: Moderated by Barry Michael Cooper with Sean Combs, Queen Latifah and Chris Lighty.

5 p.m. – Refresh Black America: Moderated by Roland Martin with Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Cornel West, and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

OPEN CALL
PRESS MUST CHECK IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR to each session – Proper ID required.
Live and/or taped interviews available with select panelists after each session.

WHERE: Cramton Auditorium, Howard University, 2455 Sixth Street, NW, Washington D.C.