Congresswoman Wilson To Hold Workshop To Help Florida's Ex-Offenders Regain Their Civil Rights

MIAMI, FLORIDA - On Wednesday, June 13, 2012, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) will hold a restoration of rights and voter education workshop, and a job and resource fair with Bishop Victor T. Curry, pastor of New Birth Baptist Church, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm, at New Birth Enterprise, located at 8400 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33127.

"Those who have paid their debt to society should have the right to vote, obtain employment and enjoy the same civil rights and privileges as do all Floridians and American citizens," said Congresswoman Wilson.

Statistics show that close to 90,000 ex-offenders await the restoration of their civil rights. Under current Florida law, there is a five-year wait for ex-offenders to apply to have their rights restored.

In Florida, according to the ACLU, a past felony conviction usually means loss of civil rights, including the right to vote, to hold public office, to serve on a jury and to hold certain types of state occupational licenses.


WHAT: Restoration of Rights/Voter Education Workshop and Job Fair
DATE: June 13, 2012
TIME: 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
WHERE: New Birth Enterprise, 8400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33127


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Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term Congresswoman representing the 17th District of Florida, including Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward Counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.