Saturday 14 January 2012

PRESS RELEASEMay/28/2009
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Stephanie LusterCell: 202-560-9954Email: Stephanie@friendsofthecongo.org
Lumumba 51
A Benefit Concert in Support of the Congo Movement
When: Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Where: Taj Lounge
48 West 21st Street,
New York, NY

WHO: Friends of the Congo
www.congoweek.org/events.html

January 17, 2012 is the 51st anniversary of the assassination of Congo's first democratically elected Prime Minister, Patrice Emery Lumumba. Friends of the Congo will commemorate the day with a benefit concert at the Taj Lounge in New York City. Queens native Tobias Truvillion, a celebrated actor, who regularly debuts on the ABC soap opera "One Life to Live", will be the Masters of Ceremonies for this red-carpet event.
Acclaimed Poet and Author, Ms. Toni Blackman will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the dynamic series of performances featuring: Hasan Salaam, the Jersey-bred MC who was voted the winner of FUSE TV's "Hip Hop President" contest; The Mahina Movement, a phenomenal 3 women trio who "combine poetry and song to create passionate music straight from the heart; Congolese artist and orator, Isaac Katalay who is a co-founder of CONTEMPTRA - a Congolese dance concept that combines contemporary and traditional Congolese dance moves. Ghanaian Model Afua Boni will bring her magnetic beauty and resplendent presence to the festivities.
In addition to the musical performances, attendees will experience a live DJ, film shorts and introduction of the 2012 Congo Week events calendar. "This premier location will set the standard for the caliber of events people can expect from FOTC and highlight previous productions in a visual presentation," says marketing professional Nakeisha Jennings of Prime Planners. This event will showcase how everyone can lend their strengths to elevate this global movement - activists, students, socialites, musicians, community leaders/organizers and people of conscience. All are welcomed to join in this electric evening.

About Friends of the Congo
The Friends of the Congo (FOTC) is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. The FOTC was established in 2004 to work in partnership with Congolese to bring about peaceful and lasting change in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly Zaire. Visit congoweek.org or friendsofthecongo.org for more information about Congo Week!