Actress Janet Hubert Visits Orlando to Mobilize Women to Vote During Black Women’s Roundtable “Don’t Count Us Out Tour”
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rlando, FL – From dangerous Stand Your Ground laws to voter suppression schemes, the state of Florida is known for a host of issues that negatively impact the quality of life for citizens in communities of color. Actress, producer and activist, Janet Hubert, will talk about the importance of voting to combat unjust laws and the overall need to stay healthy, wealthy and wise during the Florida Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) Don’t Count Us Out Tour. The event will be held Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the Doubletree by the Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld (10100 International Drive, Orlando, FL).
Sponsored by the Florida Coalition on Black Civic on Participation (FCBCP) along with Orange and Osceola County Black Women’s Roundtable, the goal of one-day event is to bring together national and local experts for roundtable discussions designed to educate, uplift and motivate women and girls to vote and/or urge their family and friends to vote in the midterm election. Tickets are free for 15-18-years-olds and $25 for adults. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information call (321) 285-6297 or visit www.fcbcp.org.
“Black Women’s Roundtable is conducting this tour through the state of Florida to mobilize women to get their communities to the polls and send a clear message – DON’T COUNT US OUT,” said Salandra Benton, convener of FCBCP, a local affiliate of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. “In Florida we are constantly fighting for our rights – that’s why we’re so excited to welcome actress Janet Hubert to speak during the luncheon. Ms. Hubert epitomizes a strong black woman on the screen and off. She has been a shining example of an artist/activist who understands the power and significance of their celebrity and uses that position to empower others.”
Hubert is best known for her role as the sassy and witty, “Aunt Viv,” in The Fresh Prince of BelAir, but in recent years the award-winning actress has gained a reputation as a producer, activist, and author, penning her own memoir, Perfection Is Not A Sitcom Mom, and the children’s book JG and the BC Kids. She has advocated for many years on health issues, and even addressed representatives on Capitol Hill. She also served as an ambassador for the National Osteoporosis Foundation and worked with the U.S. Surgeon General to implement better nutritional education for young girls. Currently Hubert is touring the country performing her self-produced one woman show, From Broadway To TV…Now Back To Me.
“We are bringing together women and girls of all ages to share problems and information, support each other in sisterhood, and organize so we can work collectively in our struggle for economic security and justice across the state and nationally,” adds Diana Johnson, chair of Orange County Black Women’s Roundtable.
In addition to Hubert, speakers include: Desmond Meade, president of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, and state director for Faith in Florida, Live Free; Kionne McGee, author and Miami Florida State Representative, District 17; and community activists, Debra Francis, Greg Jackson, Gail Gardner, and Nedenia Thomas.
Florida Black Women’s Roundtable convenes BWR network gatherings throughout the state. The nonprofit, nonpartisan group is an affiliate of the Washington, DC-based Black Women’s Roundtable Public Policy Network, an intergenerational women’s policy network of the NCBCP. Convened nationally by civil rights leader, Melanie L. Campbell, BWR stays at the forefront of championing just and equitable public policy on behalf of Black women and girls and promotes health and wellness, economic security, education and global empowerment as key elements for success.
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NOTE TO MEDIA: BWR conveners and Janet Hubert are available for interview. To schedule an interview contact Edrea via email: edmedia@dogonvillage.com or 770.961.6200.
PHOTO CREDIT: James J. Kriegsmann Jr.