FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Paula Peebles (215) 765-6181 office (215) 869-0166 cell paulapeebles@yahoo.com

Pennsylvania National Action Network Demands Answers in the

Brutal Assault of a Young Black Manby a Philadelphia Police Officer Philadelphia, PA – January 14, 2014 – The report of the allegedassault of a 16-year-old studentis the latest incident of the excessive use of force by the Philadelphia Police Department.Darrin Manning, an honor student at Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School, may have sustained permanent injuries. We will know in 90 days when doctors do another sperm test whether the injuries inflicted on young Darrin will prevent him from fathering children. “It’s outrageous that a young man on his way to play in a basketball game ends up in Children's Hospital following a brutal assault by a female police officer,” said Paula Peebles, Chair of the Pennsylvania State Chapter National Action Network (PA NAN). “We demand a full investigation. The police officer who assaulted Darrin must be held accountable. PA NAN is working with Veronica Joyner, Founder & Chief Administrative Officer of Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School,and the family of young Darrin to ensure that justice prevails.” “We need answers from Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and District Attorney Seth Williams,” said Matthew Smith, Sr., President of PA NAN. “We call on the U.S. Department of Justice to broaden its review of the Philadelphia Police Department and include the police use of excessive force.” About Pennsylvania State Chapter National Action Network: The Pennsylvania State Chapter National Action Network is a nonprofit organization incorporated for the purpose of advocating for equal education opportunities and equal justice under the law; promoting policies and initiatives to reduce gun violence, racial profiling and “stop and frisk” policing; and fostering civic engagementby hosting public forums, rallies and other nonpartisan events. For more information, visit www.pastatenan.org. About National Action Network: The National Action Network is the nation’s leading civil rights and human rights organization, with chapters throughout the United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality or gender.For more information, visit www.nationalactionnetwork.net.