Press Releases

Statewide Conference
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008
more details to come
Central United Methodist Church
23 E. Adams, Detroit

Moratorium NOW! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions

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Office

Central United Methodist Church
23. E Adams
(at Woodward)
Detroit, MI

Hours: Monday thru Friday
11 AM to 3 PM

Staff Meetings
Monday, 7 PM

Phone

313-887-4344

Please Donate

Make checks payable to: MORATORIUM NOW COALITION and send to
Moratorium NOW Coalition
Central United Methodist Church
23 E. Adams
Detroit MI 48226

Committees

Legal

Open to any with experience in litigation, including attorneys
contact:
Jerry Goldberg 313-319-0870

Video Documentation

Documents, using video and photos, the impact of foreclosures and evictions on our neighborhoods.

contact:
Andrea Egypt 313-739-4274

Media

Coordinates media relations, issues press releases and related issues
contact:
Abayomi Azikywe 313-671-3715

Press Releases

Press Releases
Media contact: Abayomi Azikiwe, 313-671-3715

Current
Protest to Declare 'State of Emergency' in Detroit, Friday, Oct. 10, Noon

Past events
Moratorium Now! Demands Federal Action on Crisis Demonstrate Outside Federal Bldg. in Detroit, Friday, Oct. 3, Noon
Detroit Demonstration -- Friday, October 3, 2008 ~ 12 Noon
March on Lansing to Demand Hearing on SB 1306, Sept. 17, 11:00 am
Moratorium Now! Coalition Set to March on State Capital Sept. 17
Statewide Coalition Demands a Public Hearing on Senate Bill 1306 to Impose a Moratorium on Home Foreclosures
Press Conference and Victory Rally to Honor the Struggle That Saved the Home of Rubie Curl-Pinkins
Moratorium Now! Campaign Opens Office, Town Hall Meeting Planned for Sat., June 14 at UAW Local 7
Moratorium Now! Campaign Opens Office, Demonstration and Town Hall Meeting Planned

For Immediate Release

Media Advisory
Picket Line/Press Conference

Event: Protest to Declare 'State of Emergency' in Detroit
Location: Gather at 'Spirit of Detroit,' Oct. 10, Noon
         Picket Line and Press Conference, Woodward &
         Jefferson
Contact: Moratorium Now! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures & Evictions:
       313.671.3715 or 313.887.4344
       www.moratorium-mi.org

Moratorium Now! Coalition Demonstration to Declare 'Economic State of Emergency' in Detroit; Interim Mayor Cockrel Must Appeal to Governor to Impose Halt to Foreclosures; Billions in Federal Funds Required to Address Crisis Resulting in 150 Million Dollar Deficit

Last week's trillion dollar taxpayer bailout of the financial sector on Wall Street points to the gravity of the economic crisis in the United States. In the city of Detroit, the residents are suffering from one of the highest unemployment and foreclosure rates rates in the country. 18% of housing units are vacant amid growing homelessness.

We are demanding that the interim Mayor Kenneth Cockrel, Jr. immediately request that Gov. Granholm declare a state of economic emergency and consequently impose a moratorium on home foreclosures and evictions. We are also requesting that billions of dollars in federal funds be sent to Detroit in order to provide jobs and relief to the people of this city and the state of Michigan.

Political leaders that allow their citizens to be exploited by taking public funds and turning them over to the bankers, who created the crisis in the first place, are not only unethical but are clearly operating contrary to the interests of their constituents.

We strongly object to the actions of Sen. Levin and Congresswoman Cheeks-Kilpatrick for voting in Congress to give a trillion dollars of our taxes to Wall Street. Instead they should have called for the passage of SB 1306 in Michigan, which would impose a two-year moratorium on foreclosures in Detroit and throughout the state.

We believe that the people are entitled to federal dollars handed over to the bankers in order to stabilize the housing market through an immediate freeze on foreclosures and evictions. We are also calling for our tax dollars to provide jobs, health care, energy guarantees and that these funds given to the corrupt banking CEOs and executives be returned to resolve the needs of millions of households across the country.

The Moratorium Now! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions will hold a picket line and press conference outside the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on Woodward at Jefferson on Friday, Oct. 10 at Noon. A letter has been sent to Interim Mayor Cockrel outlining our demands for immediate action on the economic crisis.

For Immediate Release

Media Advisory

Event: Moratorium Now! Demands Federal Action on Crisis
       Demonstrate Outside Federal Bldg. in Detroit
Date: Friday, October 3, Noon-1:00pm, Michigan at Cass
Contact: 313.671.3715 or 313.887.4434
E-mail: moratorium@moratorium-mi.org
URL:    www.moratorium-mi.org

Bailout the PEOPLE, Not the Banks!; DEMAND A FEDERAL MORATORIUM ON ALL FORECLOSURES AND EVICTIONS
Detroiters to Demonstrate at the McNamara Federal Building (Michigan Avenue at Cass, downtown)

Let Senators Levin and Stabenow and all Michigan members of Congress know that we expect them to fight for the interests of homeowners, taxpayers, workers, seniors and the poor. A moratorium on foreclosures and evictions won’t cost a penny!

The demand for a federal moratorium on foreclosures becomes more urgent every day because of the continuing consideration of a Treasury Department proposed Congressional trillion-dollar bailout of Wall Street firms who are responsible for the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

All of the proposals put forward by the Treasury Department and Congress say absolutely nothing about providing jobs and relief to the millions of households who are facing foreclosure, escalating fuel, food and energy prices, the lack of employment, health care and quality education.

Growing segments of the United States population are being affected by the inability of the Congress and the federal government to take decisive action. No longer is it just those thrown into poverty, because more working families, unionists, small business people, professionals and others are facing economic ruin.

We must demand that this political impasse stop immediately and that instead of transfering trillions of our tax dollars to the bankers and the military, those funds should be utilized to meet the needs of the people.

At the same time, we continue to fight here in Michigan for passage of Senate Bill 1306 by the State Legislature. Contact your state representatives and senators and let them know you want SB 1306 passed.

Call state Sen. Randy Richardville, chair of the Senate Banking and Financial Services Committee, and tell him to move this bill out of committee and hold immediate public hearings around the state on the foreclosure crisis.

We are also demanding that the new Mayor Kenneth Cockrel declare a State of Emergency in Detroit, the hardest hit city in the country by the foreclosure epidemic with an 18% home vacancy rate, and formally apply to Governor Granholm to place a moratorium on foreclosures in Detroit pursuant to MCL 10.31.

This press statement is being issued by the Moratorium NOW! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures & Evictions.

For immediate release

Bailout the PEOPLE, Not the Banks!
DEMAND A FEDERAL MORATORIUM ON ALL FORECLOSURES AND EVICTIONS

DETROIT DEMONSTRATION -- Friday, October 3, 2008 ~ 12 Noon

McNamara Federal Building (Michigan Avenue at Cass, downtown)

Let Senators Levin and Stabenow and all Michigan members of Congress know that we expect them to fight for the interests of homeowners, taxpayers, workers, seniors and the poor. A moratorium on foreclosures and evictions won’t cost a penny!

The demand for a federal moratorium on foreclosures becomes more urgent every day because of the Congressional trillion-dollar bailout of Wall Street firms who are responsible for the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. All of the proposals touted by the Treasury Department and Congress say absolutely nothing or next to nothing about bailing out the millions of households who are facing foreclosure, escalating fuel, food and energy prices, the lack of employment, health care and quality education. We must demand that this swindle stop immediately and that rather than handing over trillions of our tax dollars to the bankers and the military, those funds be utilized to meet the needs of the people. At the same time, we continue to fight here in Michigan for passage of Senate Bill 1306 by the State Legislature. Contact your state representatives and senators and let them know you want SB 1306 passed. Call state Sen. Randy Richardville, chair of the Senate Banking and Financial Services Committe, and tell him to move this bill out of committee and hold immediate public hearings around the state on the foreclosure crisis.

We are also demanding that new Mayor Kenneth Cockrel declare a State of Emergency in Detroit, the hardest hit city in the country by the foreclosure epidemic with an 18% home vacancy rate, and formally apply to Governor Granholm to place a moratorium on foreclosures in Detroit pursuant to MCL 10.31.

Moratorium NOW! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures & Evictions

Contact the Coalition at (313) 887-4344

Web site: www.moratorium-mi.org
E-mail: moratorium@moratorium-mi.org

For Immediate Release

Media Advisory

Event: Moratorium Now! at State Capital, Sept. 17, 11:00 am
       March on Lansing to Demand Hearing on SB 1306!
Contact: Moratorium Now! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures &
        Evictions; CUM Church, 23 East Adams, 4th Floor
Phone:   313.887.4344
URL:     http://www.moratorium-mi.org
E-mail: moratorium@moratorium-mi.org

Moratorium Now! Coalition Will March on State Capital Sept. 17 to Demand Hearings on SB 1306--Bill Would Impose a Two Year Halt to Home Foreclosures and Evictions

Organizers for the Moratorium Now! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions will be taking people to Lansing on Wednesday, Sept. 17 to hold a public hearing demanding the immediate passage of Senate Bill 1306, which would impose a halt to foreclosures for two years in the state of Michigan.

This bill, which was introduced by State Senator Hansen Clarke during the Spring, has languished in the Banking and Financial Services Committee because of the refusal of the Chair, Randy Richardville, to hold hearings and move the legislation forward.

The recent federal government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac clearly illustrates the depths of the crisis with $5 trillion in mortgage value under threat of total collapse. The impact of this failure, coupled with the crisis at Lehman Bros. and other banking institutions, demands immediate action to provide relief to working families by the state government in Lansing.

In late August, members of the Moratorium Now! Coalition from Richardville's district in Monroe, as well as several activists from around the state, hand-delivered a letter to Richardville's home demanding action on the crisis in the state stemming from the seizure of homes by banks and the failure of government to take effective measures.

Coalition members are saying that they will hold a hearing at the State Capital on Sept. 17. This will be done even if Banking and Financial Services Committee Chair Richardville continues to ignore the suffering of thousands of people throughout Michigan who are being evicted by predatory lending institutions everyday.

Moratorium Now! has recently gained the support of the Detroit City Council for rapid passage of SB 1306. In a letter delivered to the Council and the incoming interim Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel, Jr., we have requested that the city apply to Gov. Granholm to declare a state of economic emergency in Detroit, which could impose a moratorium on all foreclosures throughout the state.

Transportation arrangements are being made for the trip to Lansing on Sept. 17. Dozens of community organizations, religious groups, labor activists and public officials have endorsed this action.

Members of the Moratorium Now! Coalition members are available for comment at the contact numbers and addresses listed above.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributed By: THE PAN-AFRICAN RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION CENTER
                50 SCB BOX 47, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
                DETROIT, MI 48202-- E MAIL: ac6123@wayne.edu

For Immediate Release

Media Advisory

Event: Moratorium Now! at State Capital, Sept. 17, 1100am
       March on Lansing to Demand Hearing on SB 1306!
Contact: Moratorium Now! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures &
         Evictions; CUM Church, 23 East Adams, 4th Floor
Phone:   313.887.4344
URL:     http://www.moratorium-mi.org
E-mail: moratorium@moratorium-mi.org

Moratorium Now! Coalition Will March on State Capital Sept. 17 to Demand Hearings on SB 1306--Bill Would Impose a Two Year Halt to Home Foreclosures and Evictions

Organizers for the Moratorium Now! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions will be taking people to Lansing on Wednesday, Sept. 17 to hold a public hearing demanding the immediate passage of Senate Bill 1306, which would impose a halt to foreclosures for two years in the state of Michigan.

This bill, which was introduced by State Senator Hansen Clarke during the Spring, has languished in the Banking and Finance Committee because of the refusal of the Chair, Randy Richardville, to hold hearings and move the legislation forward.

Last week, members of the Moratorium Now! Coalition from Richardville's district in Monroe, as well as several activists from around the state, hand-delivered a letter to Richardville's home demanding action on the crisis in the state stemming from the seizure of homes by banks and the failure of government to take effective measures.

Coalition members are saying that they will hold a hearing at the State Capital on Sept. 17. This will be done even if Banking and Finance Committee Chair Richardville continues to ignore the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people throughout Michigan who are being evicted by predatory lending institutions everyday.

Transportation arrangements are being made for the trip to Lansing on Sept. 17. A press conference is planned for Sept. 10 on the steps of the State Capital.

Members of the Moratorium Now! Coalition members are available for comment at the contact numbers and addresses listed above.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributed By: THE PAN-AFRICAN RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION CENTER
                50 SCB BOX 47, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
                DETROIT, MI 48202-- E MAIL: ac6123@wayne.edu

For Immediate Release

Press Conference in Monroe, Michigan, Aug. 28, 5:00pm

Event: Media Briefing in Monroe, Michigan
       Activists Demand Senate Hearing on Foreclosures
       1st District Court, 106 E. 1st Street, Monroe
       Thurs., August 28, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Moratorium Now Coalition to Stop Foreclosure &
         Evictions in Michigan
Phone:   313.319.0870
e-mail: moratorium@moratorium-mi.org
URL:     http://www.moratorium-mi.org

Statewide Coalition Demands a Public Hearing on Senate Bill 1306 to Impose a Moratorium on Home Foreclosures

A broad-based coalition of urban, suburban and rural citizens of the state of Michigan are demanding a State Senate Hearing on a bill introduced earlier this year that would enact a two-year moratorium on all foreclosures. The bill, SB 1306, was drafted by Senator Hansen Clarke, a member of the Banking and Finance Committee in Lansing.

The bill is being held up because of the refusal of the Banking and Finance Chair, Randy Richardville, to hold a hearing so that people throughout the state of Michigan can give voice to the widespread foreclosure epidemic effecting hundreds of thousands of people.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, at 5:00 p.m., members of the Moratorium Now Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions will hold a press conference at the Courthouse in the district that Senator Richardville represents. After the press conference, members of the Coalition will deliver a letter to the home of Senator Richardville demanding a public hearing on September 17 on the passage of SB 1306.

Members of the Moratorium Now Coalition are mobilizing hundreds of residents from throughout the state to come to Lansing on September 17 to demonstrate the urgency of the housing foreclosure crisis in Michigan. On that day, members of the Coalition will seek to convey to State Legislators that the current situation in Michigan warrents the declaration of a state of emergency requiring immediate action
and the passage of SB 1306.

Members of the Moratorium Now Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions are available for comment to the media. Journalists and media representatives are asked to contact the Coalition at the contact numbers listed above.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributed By: THE PAN-AFRICAN RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION CENTER
                50 SCB BOX 47, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
                DETROIT, MI 48202-- E MAIL: ac6123@wayne.edu

For Immediate Release

Media Advisory
Press Conference

Event: Moratorium Now Rally/Press Conference
       Home of Rubie Curl-Pinkins
       1769 Holden Near West Grand Blvd., Detroit
       Friday, Aug. 22, 5:15pm
Contact: Moratorium Now Coalition to Stop Foreclosures
         & Evictions, Central United Methodist Church
         23 East Adams, Fourth Floor
Phone:   313.887.4434(office), 313.671.3715(press office)
E-mail: moratorium@moratorium-mi.org
URL:     http://www.moratorium-mi.org

Press Conference and Victory Rally to Honor the Struggle That Saved the Home of Rubie Curl-Pinkins

A widely publicized campaign in July to save the home of a senior citizen in Detroit, Ms. Rubie Curl-Pinkins, illustrated the human impact of mortgage foreclosure and highlighted the necessity for a moratorium on this practice. The Moratorium Now Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions is supporting the immediate passage of Senate Bill 1306, sponsored by Sen. Hansen Clarke, which would place a two-year moratorium on home foreclosures.

One of every 11 mortgage holders in the U.S. is now delinquent on their payments or in foreclosure. The crisis has now spread beyond the subprime mortgage disaster to those with regular interest loans. Foreclosures, evictions, blight, abandoned and vandalized homes, devastate communities--enough is enough!

Taking this message across the state of Michigan, the Moratorium Now Coalition is currently mobilizing people from all over the region to attend a mass demonstration at the State Capital in Lansing on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 11:00 a.m. Only a mass outpouring of people from all around Michigan will force the State Legislature to pass SB-1306.

Members of the media and the public are invited to attend the press conference and rally this Friday, Aug. 22 to both celebrate the victory of saving the Pinkins' home, which was slated for a sheriff's sale through Countrywide (now owned by Bank of America), and to announce the upcoming demonstration at the State Capital on Sept. 17.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributed By: THE PAN-AFRICAN RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION CENTER
                50 SCB BOX 47, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
                DETROIT, MI 48202-- E MAIL: ac6123@wayne.edu

For Immediate Release

Media Advisory
Wednesday, June 12, 2008

Events: Moratorium Now! Campaign Opens Office, Town Hall Meeting Planned for Sat., June 14 at UAW Local 7
Office: Central United Methodist Church, 4th Floor
        23 East Adams, Downtown Detroit, MI 48226
Contact: Atty. Jerome Goldberg, Caleb Maupin, Intern
Phone: 313.319.0870
E-mail: moratorium@moratorium-mi.org
URL: http://www.moratorium-mi.org

Moratorium Now! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions Supports Passage of Michigan Bill to Place Moratorium on Foreclosures; Organizer's Conference and Town Hall Planned June 14 in Detroit

Michigan is suffering the worst housing crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Every resident of this state, whether they own homes or not, are seriously affected by the economic downturn.

Over 70,000 households are facing eviction where entire communities are being devastated with abandoned and vandalized homes, apartments and commercial structures. SB 1306, the two-year moratorium legislation introduceed by State Senator Hansen Clarke, would allow homeowners to delay the Sheriff's sales. The court will set a reasonable repayment plan for two years based in part on the borrowers income and ability to pay.

The Moratorium Now! Coalition has opened an office in Detroit to work towards the passage of SB 1306. A series of events have taken place and are scheduled in the near future to build support for this ongoing campaign:

On Friday, June 6, a "March Against the Banks", demanding a Moratorium, gathered at the Spirit of Detroit Statue at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Woodward at Jefferson, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The crowd marched through the financial district to demonstrate the impact of the banking industry on the foreclosure crisis in Detroit.

Coming up this Saturday, June 14, A "Statewide Organizers Planning Conference" along with an "Official Town Hall Meeting," entitled: "Why We Need a Moratorium on Foreclosures", will take place. The schedule for this event is as follows:

June 14 Location and Schedule:

Location of Event: UAW Local 7 Hall 2600 Connor Avenue, Detroit, (between Mack Ave. and Jefferson Ave.)

Schedule:
10:00 a.m.-Noon--Statewide Organizers Meeting to discuss strategy to mobilize a mass movement across Michigan to WIN passage of Senate Bill 1306 which calls for a 2-year moratorium on foreclosures.

1:00 p.m.--2:00 p.m. Lunch

2:00-4:00 p.m.--Official Town Meeting presenting testimony from the community on foreclosures, evictions, blight and its impact on the communities in Michigan. Chaired by State Senator Hansen Clarke, sponsor of SB 1306.

A Free Legal Clinic will be open from 2:00-4:00pm to give advice to those facing foreclosure and eviction.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributed By: THE PAN-AFRICAN RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION CENTER
                50 SCB BOX 47, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
                DETROIT, MI 48202-- E MAIL: ac6123@wayne.edu

For Immediate Release

Media Advisory
Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Events: Moratorium Now! Campaign Opens Office, Demonstration and Town Hall Meeting Planned
Office: Central United Methodist Church, 4th Floor
         23 East Adams, Downtown Detroit, MI 48226
Contact: Atty. Jerome Goldberg, Caleb Maupin, Intern
Phone: 313.319.0870
E-mail: moratorium@moratorium-mi.org
URL: http://www.moratorium-mi.org

Moratorium Now! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions Supports Passage of Michigan Bill to Place Moratorium on Foreclosures; Demonstration, Organizer's Conference and Town Hall Planned for June 6 and June 14 in Detroit

Michigan is suffering the worst housing crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Every resident of this state, whether they own homes or not, are seriously affected by the economic downturn.

Over 70,000 households are facing eviction where entire communities are being devasted with abandoned and vandalized homes, apartments and commercial structures. SB 1306, the two-year moratorium legislation introduceed by State Senator Hansen Clarke, would allow homeowners to delay the Sheriff's sales. The court will set a reasonable repayment plan for two years based in part on the borrowers income and ability to pay.

The Moratorium Now! Coalition has opened an office in Detroit to work towards the passage of SB 1306. A series of events are scheduled to build support for this ongoing campaign:

Friday, June 6, 4:00-6:00 p.m.--"March Against the Banks": Demand a Moratorium." Gather at the Spirit of Detroit Statue at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Woodward at Jefferson, beginning at 4:00 p.m. March through the financial district to demonstrate the impact of the banking industry on the foreclosure crisis in Detroit.

Saturday, June 14, Statewide Organizers Meeting--Official Town Hall Meeting: Why We Need a Moratorium on Foreclosures
Foreclosures

June 14 Location and Schedule:

Location of Event: UAW Local 7 Hall 2600 Connor Avenue, Detroit

Schedule:
10:00 a.m.-Noon--Statewide Organizers Meeting to discuss strategy to mobilize a mass movement across Michigan to WIN passage of Senate Bill 1306 which calls for a 2-year moratorium on foreclosures.

1:00 p.m.--2:00 p.m. Lunch

2:00-4:00 p.m.--Official Town Meeting presenting testimony from the community on foreclosures, evictions, blight and its impact on the communities in Michigan. Chaired by State Senator Hansen Clarke, sponsor of SB 1306.

The Legal clinic will be open to give free legal advice to those facing foreclosure and eviction.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributed By: THE PAN-AFRICAN RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION CENTER
                50 SCB BOX 47, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
                DETROIT, MI 48202-- E MAIL: ac6123@wayne.edu