Prendergast to Speak at IU Bloomington

John Prendergast, an American human rights activist currently focusing his activities on genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan, violence against women in eastern Congo and atrocities in Chad and northern Uganda, will speak at Indiana University Bloomington at noon on Tuesday (19 February). The presentation in the Oak Room, Indiana Memorial Union, 900 East Seventh Street, Bloomington, is open to the public at no charge.

Prendergast is a co-founder of the Enough Project, an initiative to end genocide and crimes against humanity that is a joint initiative of the International Crisis Group and the Center for American Progress. He is co-author of Not On Our Watch (pictured).

His presentation is sponsored by IU's African Studies Program, the Office of the President, Office of the Provost and the Office of the Vice President of International Affairs.

Zionsville Hosts Benefit for Save Darfur Coalition

According to a report in The Indianapolis Star, the "students and faculty at Zionsville Community High School joined together Saturday [14 April] to help victims of genocide in Africa."

The Star notes that the "nine musical acts performed during the school's benefit talent show for Darfur refugees raised more than $3,000. The money will be sent to the Save Darfur Coalition based in Chicago."

Workshop on Darfur at Marian College

Concerned about the crisis in Sundan? Consider attending a "Workshop on Darfur" from 6:30-9 p.m. Monday (16 April) in the Allison Mansion on the campus of Marian College, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis.

It's sponsored by The Franciscan Center for Global Studies (FCGS) at Marian, and co-sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, American Jewish World Service, Citizens for Global Solutions, Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and Indiana Coalition to Save Darfur.

Designed as a forum for expert discussion that will emphasize audience participation, education, and—most important—taking action, this workshop is for anyone who is concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan.

Featured speakers:

Scott LeFevre (left), Catholic Relief Services, Darfur specialist; Joshua Bloom (second from left), American Jewish World Service, Darfur field organizer; Julia Fitzpatrick (third from left), Citizens for Global Solutions, Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellow; Anita Sharma (right), ENOUGH, Executive Director."

Darfur to Indiana

"As many as 300 people originally from Darfur are living in Fort Wayne, with others scattered across smaller Indiana cities like Elkhart, South Bend and Goshen. Together, they form one of the largest concentrations of Darfuri in the United States."

This is an excerpt from an exceptional article in Monday's New York Times about the ability of the Hoosier Heartland to welcome yet another set of scarred refugees. Here's another snippet:

"'Cities like New York are not attractive for our beginners, too busy,' said Nourain Basheir, 41, one of the first Darfuri to settle in Fort Wayne in 1996. 'This community welcomed us cheerfully and respectfully. They understand our people.'

"Despite Indiana’s reputation among Americans as a monolithic slice of the country, in parts of Africa it is known — mostly by word of mouth — as diverse, welcoming and affordable."

After Darfur, Starting Anew in the Midwest
By SUSAN SAULNY
The New York Times
Published: April 2, 2007
"In Indiana, people fleeing the violence of Darfur find an unlikely new home that is diverse and welcoming."

Read the rest here.


UPDATE:
Almost a month after The New York Times writes about all the people from Darfur living in Fort Wayne, The Indianapolis Star finally notices. See 29 April 2007 -- at least as long as the paper leaves the link active!