"Children of Darfur" Photo Exhibit
On May 9, 2008 the Amnesty International Midwest Regional Office sponsored an event in which over 70 Chicago activists gathered for the opening reception of the nationally touring "Children of Darfur" photo exhibit at the Heartland Café. Photographs of the war-torn country, generously donated by Ron Haviv, a world-renowned photographer, were displayed on the walls of the restaurant. Some depicted the devastating effects that genocide has brought upon Darfurian Children, while others showed glimpses of optimism on their faces. After viewing these photos and eating from a delicious buffet, people listened to the stories of two Darfurians, Ibrahim Adam and Mohamed Kauda, from the Darfur Association of Illinois. Both spoke of horrific experiences in their homeland and the dire need for immediate actions to be taken. Illinois State Senator Steans spoke as well, focusing on the need of Sudanese refugees who are now Illinois residents. She advocated building a Sudanese Community Center for the "Lost Boys of Sudan" and other Sudanese refugees in order to help meet the needs of these people. It is the hope that the night's powerful speakers and visual component inspired many to get involved in the movement to SAVE DARFUR!
 Photos on the walls displayed the effects of genocide on Darfurian Children |
 The Heartland Café kindly hosted the event and displayed the "Children of Darfur" exhibit |
 Illinois State Senator Heather Steans discussed the need for a new Sudanese Community Center in Chicago. |
