Right now in Darfur 3.5 million people are starving, 2.5 million have fled their homes, and over 500,000 civilians have died in the last 2 years alone — the victims of genocide, disease, and state-produced famine. It’s staggering.
This spring the American Anti-Slavery Group and The Sudan Campaign are joining forces to create an event that matches the magnitude of this tragedy in size and scope.
AASG Associate and Sudanese refugee Simon Deng (at right) will lead the 300-mile march, which protests the U.S. government’s failure thus far to adequately address the situation. With stops in 19 cities — including Philadelphia and Baltimore — the Walk has real potential to bring fresh and much-needed exposure to the crimes of genocide and slavery that have ravaged Darfur and the rest of Sudan.
The Walk will begin March 15 in front of UN headquarters in New York and finish in a rally in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. on April 5.
The reason I’m writing you now is because you have a chance to play a key role in this historic event. The march will span 5 states, so good communication along the route is essential. Please let us know if you’re interested in helping us coordinate press, publicity, or logistics. This is a volunteer-led initiative so any help is sincerely appreciated.
Finally, a word about the man behind the Walk. Simon Deng, who initiated the Sudan Freedom Walk, is a former slave who was captured during a government-sponsored raid on his village in southern Sudan. He explains: “My hope is that the Walk will present a united front among activists and Sudanese refugees and pressure the international community to work unequivocally to bring peace and justice to Sudan.”
I hope you’ll join him in this fight. It may be the most important walk you’ll ever take.
In Solidarity,
Diane Nguyen
Communications Coordinator
American Anti-Slavery Group
