January 6, 2011 - The buzz in Washington on Africa these days is growing, so I had to wonder what would happen in Hip-Hop to reflect that – musically and culturally. Please believe that with anything “Africa” I turn to my girls at the Diaspora African Women’s Network (DAWN) to make sense of my politics. So when I needed someone to give me the business about the biggest story this week – Sudan – I reached out to DAWN Founder and Executive Director, Semhar Araia. My sista specializes in conflict resolution, international law, humanitarian affairs and the development of effective advocacy and organizing strategies for Africa policymaking. Hell yeah.
Ms. Araia had this to share about Sudan in the context of Hip-Hop activism:
The first time I met Emmanuel Jal was five years ago when he came to Capitol Hill to share the release of the film “War Child”, which documented his travels from Sudan as a child. Soft spoken and careful with his words, he shared an incredible story of his life as a child soldier, who narrowly escaped death and found his way to freedom. Today, he’s a global superstar, rapping his way for Africa and its people and for his beloved country Sudan's quest for peace.
What peace you ask? Well this weekend, Sudan is set to hold a landmark referendum that will determine if the southern half of the country will break away and secede to become a new state. Just days away from this historic event, Jal debuted his new single telling the whole world that “We Want Peace” for Sudan. From the heart of Africa to the bright lights of New York and Hollywood, Jal has called on the most influential celebrity activists to draw attention to Sudan including, Alicia Keys, George Clooney, former head of the United Nations Kofi Annan, and Former US President Jimmy Carter.
After a deadly 20 year war between North and the South Sudan, where two million people were killed and four million were uprooted from their homes, both sides agreed to commit to peace and let the people speak for themselves on the fate of their country. Jal was about seven years old when he suddenly found himself a victim to this – running for his life and being forced to become a child soldier.
So this weekend’s referendum is a pivotal moment for the future of Sudan and Africa. After years of insecurity, struggle, and bloodshed, the country’s 44 million residents are holding on to the hope and promise of peace but all to weary of the reality of war. This weekend, the entire world will be watching Sudan.
Will you?
By Semhar Araia
Photo By Kemi Davies
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