Civil Rights Leaders Cite Whitney Houston Contributions to Civil Rights and Humanitarian Causes

Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable

February 11, 2012

for Immediate Release

Contact: Earl Ofari Hutchinson 323-383-6145

Press Advisory:

Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable President Earl Ofari Hutchinson and other civil rights leaders on Saturday, February 11, called the death of Whitney Houston a “tragic loss” not just to the entertainment world to the world of humanitarian causes. They note that Houston was much more than just a world renowned singer, and entertainer. She also quietly contributed to civil rights and humanitarian causes. Her Whitney Houston Foundation For Children raised funds for the needs of children around the world. The organization cared for homelessness, children with cancer or AIDS. She donated proceeds from her concerts in South Africa in honor of Nelson Mandela to numerous charities in South Africa. Houston also was deeply concerned about opening doors and improving the image of blacks in the film industry. Her BrownHouse Productions was dedicated to providing opportunities and a production vehicle for blacks in the industry.

 "Much will be said and written about Houston as an entertainer in the obits on her life and work, “says Hutchinson,” But she must and should also be remembered for the quiet contributions that she made to civil rights and humanitarian causes. Houston the humanitarian is a proud legacy that deserves to be remembered as much as Houston the star entertainer. “