Newark, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/09/2015 -- In June 1967, Jim Brown helped organize an assembly of key influencers in the sports world at what was then called the Muhammad Ali Summit. Ali embodied the sentiment felt by Black Americans who suffered voter suppression, housing segregation, employment discrimination and police brutality. The group included Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor) and John Wooten.

The majority of the athletes involved also participated in the Black Economic Union, co-founded by Brown in 1966. The aim of the BEU involved supporting educational and social initiatives to improve the lives of Black Americans in urban centers, as well as to reduce crime.

When asked to compare the social issues of today to the turbulent '60s, Brown recently had this to say: "A lot has changed, but a lot has stayed the same, or reverted back, like the violence by police against black people, black-on-black crime, education."

In response to a growing undercurrent of social upheaval, racial outrage and economic disparity, Jim Brown has chosen the upcoming Summit II – to be held Wednesday, September 9th, and co-hosted by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka as an historical "passing of the torch" to the NFL legend Ray Lewis to lead social activism and black empowerment throughout the land.

Lewis's emotional plea to the rioters in Baltimore to stop the violence and instead seek a more long-lasting approach to reform, which Lewis posted on Facebook in April, was viewed by over 40 million people. While the video went viral, many may not know that Lewis has long been a supporter of community transformation, often walking the streets in the most dangerous of locations following football games in order to encourage people to choose a way outside of crime and drugs.

About the event
The one day event will include the unveiling of a public safety strategy for Newark, panel discussions and networking sessions. It will also include the sneak video preview of new music by Ray Lewis and Neil "Spyder James" Giraldo Baltimore: It Takes a Village – a musical pledge for peace.

For more information, please visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/redefining-public-safety-summitii-tickets-18139100538

To arrange an interview with Ray Lewis, please contact Ashley Knight at aknight.rl52@gmail.com

To arrange an interview with Jim Brown, please contact Sarah Rayer at sarahrayer@gmail.com

Media Contact:
Heather Lynn
Ashley Knight, Assistant to Ray Lewis
Email: aknight.rl52@gmail.com
Ray Lewis LLC
Url: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/redefining-public-safety-summit-ii-tickets-18139100538