PHOTO GALLERY

April 10, 2010 Press Conference

On Saturday, April 10, 2010 MAADD hosted a press conference in Chicago to urge Illinois policymakers to pass HB 6425, the Consumer Choice Act, and make it into law. MAADD founder and co-director, Reverend James Demus III, called HB 6425, “life changing legislation for people living in low income and minority communities” because “with increased broadband investment, Illinois can create unlimited potential for communities struggling with high unemployment, soaring healthcare costs and a lack of access to quality education.” The press conference was held at the headquarters of the Alliance for Community Peace (ACP), an after-school program in the Cabrini Green community in Chicago. Mr. William Lewis, program coordinator for the Alliance for Community Peace and students who participate in ACP’s program spoke about how ACP provides students in underserved communities access to broadband. MAADD was also joined by Ed Lighthall, Northern Regional Vice President for the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about how legislation like HB 6425 will spark infrastructure investment in minority communities. The press conference highlighted the importance of HB 6425 and the positive impact its passage could have on minority communities throughout the state.

Unity in Our Community – 2nd Annual MAADD Banquet

On September 19, 2008, MAADD held its second annual awards banquet, "Unity in Our Community." Cliff Kelley, host of "The Cliff Kelley Show" on WVON-AM, served as Master of Ceremonies and U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis of Illinois' 7th Congressional District was the keynote speaker. The event recognized clergy and government leaders who have provided outstanding contributions in their communities. In addition, the banquet highlighted current opportunities to affect change and unite people and government leaders to bring opportunity, equality and prosperity to underserved communities.

Rally at Comcast Office

On August 19, 2008, MAADD joined forces with Action Now, Citizen Action Illinois and Chicago consumers to stage a rally at the Comcast office on North Avenue in Chicago. The newly formed consumer protection alliance, BadCable.org, protested how the cable giant hurts consumers with high rates and poor customer service. Reverend James L. Demus III, Reverend Dr. Walter B. Johnson Jr. and William McNary, co-director of Citizens Action Illinois, presented nearly 25,000 petition signatures from Chicago consumers calling on Comcast to freeze its rate hikes for five years. The rally was a testament to MAADD's fight against the corporate greed that places an unreasonable price tag on economic and educational opportunity.

Rally at Michigan Comcast Office

On September 30, 2008, MAADD once again joined its BadCable.org allies to rally outside the Comcast office in Southfield, Michigan. Accompanied by a host of Michigan consumers, Rev. James L. Demus III presented over 30,000 petition signatures and postcards calling on Comcast to provide better service and lower rates.

Called to Make A Difference - 1st Annual MAADD Banquet

On September 22, 2006, MAADD held its first annual banquet, "Called to Make a Difference". Civil rights icon, Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery was the keynote speaker. Over 30 Chicago area ministers were honored at the event for their contributions to the community. The sold out crowd of more than 300 people learned about MAADD and its mission - to take the civil rights movement to the next level by giving minorities the opportunity to obtain economic equality. MAADD believes that technology is the key to promoting personal and economic development in low income and minority communities across the country and has worked diligently to make that happen. At the end of the banquet, everyone in the room held hands and sang, "We Shall Overcome" to show their commitment to this important cause.

Cable Bill Burning at Wisconsin State Capitol

On July 26, 2007, MAADD's co-directors and several ministers from MAADD's Wisconsin Chapter held a rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. The purpose of the rally was to speak out against high cable rates and promote legislation that would bring competition to the Wisconsin video market. At the rally, ministers burned their cable bills in protest of the annual rate hikes that the monopoly cable companies had imposed on Wisconsin consumers. Reverend Terrance Sims, President of the Wisconsin Chapter of MAADD encouraged legislators to expeditiously pass the pending legislation. As a result of MAADD's pressure, the Wisconsin Video Franchise Reform Bill was signed into law in December of 2007.

SBC Rate Hike Rally

Since the lack of disposable income is one of the greatest causes of the Digital Divide, MAADD fights against unnecessary rate hikes and taxes, and works to promote competition in markets where large corporations hold consumers hostage.

On June 7, 2004, MAADD took on the phone company by protesting an AT&T (formerly SBC) rate hike on phone service that was pending at the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Scores of MAADD demonstrators converged on the James R. Thompson Center with over 10,000 petition signatures demanding that the ICC deny the rate increase requested by the communications giant.