SOCIAL ACTION COMMISSION OF THE GENERAL BOARD

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1621 Wellington Road – Los Angeles, California90019

323-734-7856 – voice 213-747-1975 – fax 213-494-9493 - mobile

Chairperson: Bishop Reginald T. Jackson

Director: Mrs. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker

CONN-M-SWAWO President: Mrs. Lula Cleckly

Clergy Family Information Center Administrator: Mrs. Ora L. Easley

July 18, 2015 For Immediate Release

The African Methodist Episcopal Church Call For Action In The Death of Sandra Bland

“The death of Sandra Bland, 28 years old, with a new job and promising future demands and requires that her treatment by Waller County Police and the cause of her death be made known. We will remain vigilant and supportive of her family as they seek the same”, declares the Council of Bishops.

On behalf of the AME Church, the Social Action Commission offers the following possibilities as we mobilize and take action to insure that Sandra Bland’s incarceration and death while in custody is thoroughly reviewed. Please see below:

RIGHT NOW - We have received word of a group holding a prayerful vigil outside the Waller County Jail. It includes Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner of St John UMC -Houston, Dr. Taylor from Prairie View, and others who want to be in solidarity and honor Sandra Bland’s life.

SUNDAY, July 19th 3:00 PM PRAYER VIGIL

Hope AME Church

709 University Blvd

Prairie View, Texas 77445

Call by Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Presiding Bishop of 10th District of the AME Church for AME Church and all who will support Call for Justice

MONDAY, July 20th 12 NOON PRESS CONFERENCE

Waller County Sheriff’s Dept.

701 Cavit Street

Hampstead, Texas 77445

Call by Attorney, Canon Lambert with support of the Texas Conference Ministerial Alliance. For more information, contact Rev. David Israel Madison at 281-730-1460

WEDNESDAY, July 22nd 7:00 PM (In your time zone) PERSONAL/GROUP PRAYERS @ 7:00 PM

To join the group in the Houston area, contact the Texas Organizing Project, Dara Silverman

At . WHEREVER YOU ARE – STOP TO PRAY AND INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN WITH US. PRAY FOR: 1) Independent Investigation to learn the truth; 2) Generous donations to assist the family with the costs of obtaining an independent autopsy; 3) Witness to come forward; 4) The Brand family and her church family – DuPage AME Church.

The Social Action Commission thanks you for being faithful and available.

Bishop Reginald Jackson, Chair

Sis “Jackie’ Dupont-Walker, Director