BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Two elected officials in conjunction with other organizations have joined forces to host Civil Rights Restoration Workshop for ex-felons. The event will take place on Saturday, August 18th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Entitled the Rights Restoration Resource Fair, the event will be held at the Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center, 3402 N. 22nd Street.

State Senator Arthenia Joyner and State Representative Betty Reed will be joined by members of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC). The workshop is designed to assist ex-felons with the complicated process of restoring their rights.

Senator Joyner said, “We must do everything we can to guide people through this bureaucratic process. The restoration process is difficult. However, with the expertise we plan to have available at the workshop, we believe we can make a significant difference in the lives of many people.”

Rep. Reed said, “I think it’s very important that we continue to educate our citizens on how to restore their basic rights. Opening the door to participating in society starts with opening the door to participating in Democracy. The Rights Restoration Resource Fair will give many ex-offenders the key they need to begin that re-entry process and to become productive citizens within the community.”

Those who attend the workshop will receive hands-on assistance, required forms, and critical information they need to apply. Ex-offenders should bring any letters or other documents that they have received from the Parole Commission, Senator Joyner said.

Representatives from the Florida Parole Commission, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office, the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, the Hillsborough County Clerk’s Office, and the Florida Rights Restoration Council will attend the meeting.

The Rights Restoration Resource Fair is free and open to the public.