FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jul 01, 2009 – During the month of July, Lumumba Week in LA: Hope + Legacy is slated to take place from July 12th to July 19th, 2009. This week will serve as a remembrance of the legacy of Patrice Emory Lumumba, Democratic Republic of the Congo’s first prime minister. Patrice Emory Lumumba is renowned world-wide for his efforts to gain independence in Africa and as a freedom fighter for the Congolese people.

Stepping into the shoes of his father, Guy-Patrice Lumumba has traveled for years speaking about the plight of the Congolese people, raising funds for aid, and continuing the legacy of his father. As part of this celebration, there will be a series of forums, discussions, and fundraisers to help turn attention to Africa’s most deadliest war and the toll it has had on the civilian population. The crisis in the DR Congo has yielded more deaths than any conflict since WWII.

Some of the events during Lumumba Week in LA include a charity concert, discussion forums, various movie screenings, and an academic symposium.

July 16, The Power of 99, takes place at Greenway Court Theatre from 7pm to 9pm.The event is an intimate invite only  for celebrities, members of the academic community, and LA’s elite. Greenway Court Theatre seats 99 guests and is a popular venue for smaller high quality theatre productions. This program was organized by high school students to bring together a group of influential individuals to highlight the severe issues civilians are dealing with in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Celebrity after party at Zen Lounge in Hermosa Beach. Doors open at 9pm.

July 18, A Day of Freedom, will be commemorated by screenings of films about the Congo crisis at various locations in Los Angeles and a march in the heart of Hollywood. Freedom March for the Congo is set to start at 9 am and continue on to noon. The march starts at La Brea and Sunset and will end at Cahuenga and Sunset. At the finish point there will be a program with several speakers and performers.

The festivities continue with The Fally Ipupa Concert on July 19th. Internationally recognized Congolese singer, Fally Ipupa and his band will perform. Ten percent of the proceeds will go to Mothers for Africa’s efforts to aid the Congo. Lumumba Week In LA is sponsored in part by the non-profit organization, Mothers For Africa.

For press inquiries or general information contact Nehanda Sankofa-Ra at 626-710-6676

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