Houston, TX—September 9, 2009, Key PAC (Political Action Committee) welcomed renowned Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins for a special presentation and reception from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Hotel ZaZa (5701 Main St., Houston, TX 77005). The Dallas County D.A. addressed various issues regarding the justice system and those who have been falsely convicted of crimes.
The Craig Watkins presentation was a three‐fold event that included a social reception prior to the featured presentation where guests intermingled and familiarized themselves with the Texas Innocence Network and its efforts. Watkins’ feature presentation provided insight on the criminal justice system and how the Dallas District Attorney’s office is committed to excellence. He shared statistics regarding the wrongfully convicted as well as how modern DNA has assisted in redeeming the innocent.
The program allowed for an open floor of public inquiries at the end of the presentation. The session was followed by a reception where guests were given the opportunity to further discuss the issues addressed by Watkins during the presentation.
Inaugurated in January of 2007, Craig Watkins became the first elected African American District Attorney of any county in Texas. As the chief law enforcement officer for Dallas County, Texas, he is committed to the concept of “doing the right thing.” Watkins’ D.A. office has become widely known for seeking justice not on high conviction rates but addressing the underlying issues that cause the majority of individuals to commit crimes including but not limited to: lack of an education, lack of a marketable skill and illegal substance abuse.
Watkins’ innovative strategies as the new DA in Dallas County have garnered him local, national and international attention from the media including: CNN, ABC’s “Good Morning America,” ABC’s “The View” , German TV, Dallas Morning News, New York Times, Washington Post, L. A. Times and Chicago Tribune, among others. In addition, DA Watkins’ works afforded the opportunity to be featured in a reality show, “Dallas DNA,” airs on Tuesday nights on Investigation Discovery cable channel. The second season will begin later this fall.
Mr. Watkins has received numerous honors and awards for his outstanding accomplishments in the community from an array of organizations and groups:
* Dallas Urban League Torch Award
* One of Eclipse Magazine’s “Super Lawyers” January 2007
* District Attorney Watkins was featured in the March 5, 2007 issue of JET.
* District Attorney Watkins was featured in the May 2007 issue of Ebony Magazineas
one of THE EBONY POWER 150 as the next generation of African-American leaders.
* Featured in the September 2007 issue of Texas Monthly
District Attorney Watkins was educated in the Dallas public school system, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Prairie View A&M University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. He is a member Friendship-West Baptist Church, Prairie View A&M University Alumni Association and Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Incorporated. Craig is married to Tanya, also a Prairie View A& M University graduate. The couple has three children Chad, Cale, and Taryn.
As Watkins continues to make significant contributions to society unveiling injustice, his work affirms our motto, “Prairie View Produces Productive People.”
Key PAC values Watkins’ perspective as his methods embody the group’s Quality of Life Enrichment principals of crime prevention and reduction of prison recidivism. Key PAC is a non‐partisan political action committee rooted in the support of political candidates and advocacy for effective policies that can contribute to a more educated, competitive, and wealthy nation. For more detail about Key PAC visit their website: www.keypac.org
The event was sponsored by Houston City Council Member Ronald Green, Judge Zinetta Burney, Adrian Patterson, Esq., Marlen Whitley, Esq., Troy Pradia, Esq., and was held in benefit of the Texas Innocence Network and Texas Innocence Project.
