Customs and Border Protection Black History Youth Program Features Nationally Syndicated Columnist

Indianapolis — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, in conjunction with Steward and Associates, will host a Black History Celebration featuring an address to local youth by nationally syndicated columnist Roland Martin. The program will also include special guests CBP Assistant Commissioner Office of Administration Eugene Schied and CBP Office of Border Patrol Associate Chief for Northern and Coastal Operations Victor Howard. This annual youth-oriented public outreach event will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church located at

4141 High School Road

in Indianapolis, IN where Rev. Dr. Wayne L. Moore is senior pastor.

Featured speaker Roland Martin is a CNN analyst, commentator for TV One Cable Network and host of his own Sunday morning news television show “Washington Watch with Roland Martin.” Listed in 2010 by Ebony Magazine as one of the most influential African Americans in the United States, he is also the author of “Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith” and his newest book, “The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House.” Martin has won more than 30 professional awards for journalistic excellence including a regional Edward R. Murrow Award.

“Every year we extend an invitation to our community schools to participate in this dynamic program. This year, we’ve received an overwhelming response with over 1,200 students from high schools and middle schools confirmed to attend,” said Darlene Sedwick, CBP Field Director for the Office of Diversity and Civil Rights. “For the past twenty years, we have partnered with Steward and Associates, Inc. and Olivet Missionary Baptist Church attracting notable African Americans speakers to enlighten and empower our youth. This year, we will continue on that path.”

The CBP Office of Diversity and Civil Rights is responsible for developing, establishing and administering all CBP policies and programs necessary to ensure compliance with Federal civil rights and civil liberties laws, executive orders and relevant federal policies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.