Spring Break
URI 'I Am African' campaign hopes to educate students
Greg Gentile
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: News
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This is just one of many fliers created by the Student Alliance for the Welfare of Africa (SAWA) and the URI chapter of Keep a Child Alive for their "I AM AFRICAN" campaign in the hopes of making more people aware of problems in Africa.
"We are all affected by Africa's problems," SAWA president Samuel Aboh said. "If Africa is burning, one should want [to help], because it is our sole duty to help put the fire out."
Aboh said he hopes the exhibit will help others understand the poverty and disease in Africa, and how everyone shares the burden. "Regardless of your complexion, background or allegiances, don't think yourself exempt," Aboh said.
Carothers wasn't the only member of the administration to participate in the campaign. Other faculty involved included Melvin Wade, director of the Multicultural Center, Earl Smith, assistant dean of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Frank Forleo from Talent Development and Brad Irish and Sheri Davis of the Memorial Union.
"Each picture highlights a crisis [instead of focusing solely on the AIDS epidemic] from famine to malaria, to water and war," Aboh said.
In one specific poster, it depicts a woman and man of two different races touching cheeks. When their bodies touch, the tribal paint forms the outline of Africa.
Above them is the statement: "About 40 percent of the world's population - about two billion people - are at risk in about 50 countries and territories. Eighty to 50 percent of malaria deaths that occur is Sub-Saharan Africa where 90 percent of the infected people live. Observe our status." SAWA is a student-run organization with a goal to increase knowledge and acceptance of all the different cultures and heritages that come out of Africa. Aboh said the organization wants a peaceful atmosphere among all races, including African ones here at URI.
He said the group is trying "to inspire within all those concerned about Africa and her welfare a tender compassion towards issues affecting the continent, and her people on the social, educational, cultural, political and economical scale."
The "I Am African" campaign is a replication of the original 2006 campaign by Iman, a supermodel and global ambassador for Keep A Child Alive.
Aboh also worked with Ysalia Rodriguez, president of the URI Keep A Child Alive Chapter, to create the campaign.
There will be a booth at the Memorial Union today and Monday, Oct. 6 to promote the campaign.
