Join the rally in Washington, DC on April 30th, 2006, 2:00 - 4:30 PM.
The Rally to Stop Genocide will feature leading voices in the effort to stop the genocide in Darfur, including a broad spectrum of prominent faith leaders, political figures, human rights activists, celebrities, and survivors of genocide.
Read the Fact Sheet for further information!
This is an important event, I am looking forward to attending with a group from my church and with two remarkable men, Angelo and Samuel, refugees, survivors... 2 of the lost boys of Sudan.
This rally is closely linked to the cause and plight of the Lost Boys of Sudan. For the past year, i have had the privilege of getting to know a few of these men personally and of working with them to aid in forming a National Organization for the Lost Boys of Sudan. We are currently planning a gathering in July 2006, for the purpose of reuniting many who have been resettled in the US and who long to return to their homeland to be part of the peace process and the rebuilding of Sudan. To learn more see: Lost Boys: Found A time of Reunion, visosn, Advocay & Hope for the Lost Boys of Sudan.
These "boys" are now grown men and they are victims of the lengthy Civil War in Southern Sudan, which contributed to the current crisis in Darfur, Sudan. There are numerous links and interweavings between the current genocide and the slaughter of the families of the lost boys many years ago. The complexities of the situation and how they relate to one another slowly unfolds as the lost boy share their stories... the images of their loved ones murdered before their eyes...memories of the 1000 mile, three month walk to safety, continual running and hiding from those who sought to kill them, some of the same people responsible for the current genocide in Darfur. And their deep grief over the death of their leader John Garang. Yet, in spite of the stark reality of their history, these men want to return to their country and be part of the process of ending the genocide, of assuring that the peace is upheld and of restoring and rebuilding their homeland.
There is much to be done! And no one person can do it all, but we can each do SOMETHING! We live in a time when Genocide is occuring...On Our Watch and with our knowledge... and we are responsible to do something... to raise our voices in opposition to the ongoing crisis, that continues on a daily basis even with the full knowlegde of the UN, the United States government, and more importantly, the people of the world. We cannot turn our backs, we must do something...
Wish I go be there. I will be marching for the children of Uganda tomorrow, however. Africa is getting the attention it needs! Yes!
Peace,
Jamie
Posted by: Jamie Arpin-Ricci | April 28, 2006 at 11:25 PM
hey Susie - hey good to see another post from you. My oldest will be at the rally with some friends, the Jewish Women's Committee here has organized a bus trip to the rally. He is excited and yet also questioning what good a rally can do? My best answer was about all of that positive energy somehow helping with some openings to this issue. I am so excited that he is going.
Posted by: anj | April 29, 2006 at 11:22 AM
With you in spirit...from the UK
Sally
Posted by: Sally | April 30, 2006 at 02:17 PM
Hi Susie :)
i wasn't sure if i told you ...we saw some of the lost boys on the news after the rally.
i was so happy to see so many people! it's amazing how much things have changed since worship for justice...
-peace-
natala
Posted by: natala | May 18, 2006 at 08:06 AM