For Immediate Release

Contact: Ian Bryan, Citizens to Elect Phillip Jackson, (773) 344-2110

PHILLIP JACKSON TO RUN FOR 1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Chicago - Phillip Jackson, Executive Director of The Black Star Project, formally announced today his bid for the 1st Congressional District. In a campaign unlike any other Congressional race, Jackson promises to "literally run" for Congress by lacing up his running shoes and "hitting the streets". Rather than focus most of its time and energy in formal, fundraising events, Jackson’s campaign promises to be grassroots and service-oriented. Campaign programs will include rallying supporters to volunteer their time and money to improve their communities in the 1st Congressional District. Additionally, Jackson will ask residents to run with him to improve the district and their own physical health.

"I'm going to run through the whole district," said Jackson when asked about his campaign strategy. "I love being connected to the community in this way. The best way for a person to know what a community needs is to be out in that community listening to the residents. By running with me, people can demonstrate their support and desire for progress."

Phillip Jackson's priorities for the 1st Congressional District are:

A better education system that is competitive in the world economy and resources to support parental and community involvement in the education of children.

Economic development that provides career skills, career opportunities, entrepreneurship and connections to corporate America that will help create and maintain viable communities and quality housing.

Services that support and improve the physical and emotional health and wellness of its residents.

Jackson has a long history of community involvement and leadership from teaching children martial arts for 25 years in the district to serving as the Chief of Staff for the Chicago Public Schools. His diverse career around Chicago and Cook County also includes serving as Senior Vice President of Kroch's & Brentano's bookstores; Assistant Budget Director for the City of Chicago; Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Chicago Public Schools; Chief Executive Officer for the Chicago Housing Authority; and Chief for Education for the City of Chicago.

Best known for his role as Founder and Executive Director of The Black Star Project, Jackson is a national leader advocating for parent and community involvement in education. He created numerous programs that help parents become the first, best and most important teachers for their children. Jackson and The Black Star Project led 82 cities around the country back to school with the globally celebrated Million Father March 2005, which called upon men to take children to school on the first day and to make a commitment to a year of positive male involvement in education.

"The clear message from the latest round of academic test scores in Illinois is that, over a five-year period, student achievement has not improved," said Jackson. "The failing students of schools today are the future unemployed, incarcerated and government dependents of tomorrow. The world is changing and our children are not being adequately prepared to compete in it. Schools cannot fix this problem alone. Parents, communities and strong government leadership are keys to solving this problem. The war in Iraq is distracting Washington from the issues Americans are facing at home; these are issues that I will address."

The campaign headquarters is located at 1525 East 53rd Street, Suite 819. For more information, please call 773/344-2110 or email us at runphilliprun@gmail.com.

######