Mayor tough on crime to speak at UTC

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

A New Jersey mayor known for ambitious revitalization efforts will share his thoughts on community leadership Thursday night at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Arkansas-LSU Live Blog

Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker has been credited with work that reduced shootings and murders by 40 percent in the previously crime-plagued city.

He is the second speaker in this year's George T. Hunter Lecture Series sponsored by the Benwood Foundation, UTC, the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies and CreateHere.

"As we work to address our own community issues here in Chattanooga, there is much that can be learned from the challenges and successes in other cities," said Corinne Allen, executive director of the foundation.

The mayor plans to focus his lecture on the turnaround of Newark, its implications for Chattanooga and his background as a community activist.

Booker also will conduct a seminar on community leadership with UTC students, CreateHere fellows and other community leaders.

"We are so excited to have him visit Chattanooga and we believe that he will provide inspiration to young leaders in our community," said Helen Johnson, CreateHere director.


IF YOU GO

* What: Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker speaks about community leadership and revitilzation.

* When: 7 p.m. Thursday

* Where: Roland Hayes Concert Hall, at the corner of Vine and Palmetto streets

* Cost: Free