SUNO hosts special advanced screening of CNN's New Orleans Rising

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) served as the host site for a special advanced screening of CNN's New Orleans Rising on Monday, August 2, 2010. An overflow audience watched the report that is hosted and produced by CNN's Soledad O'Brien. New Orleans Rising is a documentary which primarily focuses on the post effects of Hurricane Katrina on Pontchartrain Park, the historic African-American neighborhood that surrounds SUNO, and the efforts of veteran stage and screen actor Wendell Pierce to bring his neighborhood back.

"It was an honor for us to host this important event," said Victor Ukpolo, SUNO's Chancellor. "We are proud to share a wonderful history with the residents of Pontchartrain Park, and it is this pride that inspires all of us to strive to make this neighborhood and our institution even more viable for the immediate and long-term future."

The evening was hosted by Pierce, who grew up in Pontchartrain Park and currently stars in HBO's critically-acclaimed series Tremé. At the conclusion of the report, Pierce, Ukpolo, O'Brien and others participated in a panel discussion. New Orleans Rising premieres Saturday, August 21st, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Central on CNN. For Immediate Release. Contact: Eddie Francis (504) 286-5343 or (504) 236-1009 efrancis@suno.edu Image License: All rights reserved by SUNOPR