For Immediate Release

	October 28, 2004 NBA COVENED IN CHICAGO FOR THEIR SIXTEENTH ANNUAL WILEY A. BRANTON ISSUES SYMPOSIUM The Late Wiley A. Branton In remembrance of Dean Wiley A. Branton, an activist for civil, social and economic justice, the National Bar Association hosted its Sixteenth Annual Issues Symposium and Award Luncheon in Chicago, Illinois at the Drake Hotel, October 20 - 24, 2004. This years topics included: "The Voting Rights Act: What It Is, What It Was and What It Will Be", "Voting Rights and Wrongs: An Examination of Disenfranchisement and Attempts to Deteriorate the Voting Rights Act" and "Count My Vote! Election Protection, Voting Litigation and Legislation." The Symposium highlighted renowned and dynamic panelists such as: Theodore Shaw, Esq., Director-Counsel and President, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., Barbara R. Arnwine, Executive Director, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Rev. Dr. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder and President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Hon. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District and many others. The National Bar Association was pleased to join the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to host a forum on Saturday, October 23, 2004, concentrating on Election Protection. During this time a press conference was held with the Rev. Dr. Jesse L. Jackson to discuss the initiative on protecting the vote on Election Day. "Rainbow PUSH is a premier organization for reaching out to the community. The National Bar Association is proud to partner with Rainbow PUSH for our Sixteenth Annual Wiley A. Branton Issues Symposium. Dean Wiley A. Branton was a true advocate for providing access to lawyers and legal issues, similar to the initiatives by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition." 2004 Wiley A. Branton Awardee, Reverend Dr. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. During the Wiley A. Branton Award Luncheon, five recipients were honored with the Wiley A. Branton Award. This award is given to persons who have demonstrated leadership on the cutting edge of law for civil, social and economic justice. This years recipients were Honorable Shelvin Louise Marie Hall, Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, Honorable Arnette Hubbard, Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, Reverend Dr. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder and President of Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Honorable R. Eugene Pincham (retired). In addition to the Symposium and Luncheon, the Cook County Bar Association hosted local events which included: An Evening with Jazz Violinist Regina Carter held at the Symphony Center and a Midnight Steppers Cruise aboard the Cruise Ship, Mystic Blue.