Jeffries Kicks Off #Honorthymother Campaign

NEWARK, NJ – May 5, 2014 – Actress, director, producer and activist Eva Longoria endorsed mayoral candidate Shavar Jeffries today during the kick off of his #honorthymother campaign, a weeklong series of events culminating with a Mother’s Day event reminding people to honor their mothers by working for a better Newark.

Jeffries, who tragically lost his mother to gun violence when he was 10 years old, said the campaign is intended to honor women throughout Newark who are the heart and soul of the city. 

“Our mothers and our grandmothers are heroes, often single handedly raising our babies,” said Jeffries, who was raised by his grandmother. “As mayor, I will treat our mothers and grandmothers with love and respect and support them by making the city safer, by improving our schools and by making sure there are opportunities for job training and employment.” 

Longoria, who has become politically active since her breakthrough role as Gabrielle Solis on the ABC hit Desperate Housewives, served as co-chair of President Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012 and has been described as “a highly regarded political advocate” by the New York Times. She spoke during the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

She joined Jeffries at a Mother’s Day Luncheon at the Mediterranean Manor in Newark’s Ironbound sponsored by East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador.

“Newark needs a leader who has a plan to protect women from domestic violence; protect children from gangs, violence and drugs; improve schools and give parents a choice; create economic opportunities for women; and supports immigration reform,” Longoria said. “From what I’ve heard from both candidates, it’s clear to me that Shavar Jeffries is the best choice for women in this race.” 

Longoria is the founder of the Eva Longoria Foundation, which helps Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship. She also founded Eva's Heroes, a charity which helps developmentally disabled children, and serves as the co-chair of the Latino Victory Project and as the national spokesperson for PADRES Contra El Cancer. In 2009, Longoria was named Philanthropist of the Year by The Hollywood Reporter for “her commitment to Latino causes and giving back to the community.”

The #honorthymother campaign challenges people to answer the question, “What will you do to honor your mother?” People can respond through social media using the hashtags #honorthymother and #allinfornewark and posting a picture of their mother.

The campaign will culminate on Mother’s Day when Jeffries honors Tenagne for being a great mother to his two children. On that day, Jeffries will remind voters to honor their mothers by working for a better Newark.

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