The Darfur Fast for Life began when Mia Farrow went on a 12 day water-only fast in solidarity with the people of Darfur. Richard Branson, Peter Gabriel and others picked up the fast from Mia, and today the Congressional Black Caucus announced that they would be joining the Darfur Fast for Life.
Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ) was the first member of Congress to fast. He was later joined by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) will begin the Congressional Black Caucus’ rotating fast today.
When announcing his fast, Representative Lewis said:
“We have to act. If we fail to act history will not be kind… It is our time to act, to speak up and speak out and get in the way.”
Mia Farrow joined the members of the Caucus, and said:
“Among President Obama’s priorities, Darfur has to take its place.”
Representative Payne elaborated that the members hope to see continued and strengthened sanctions on the Government of Sudan, the return of the humanitarian aid groups, the U.S. to pay full dues to the United Nations and support the African Union’s initiatives in Sudan and Somalia.
After the press conference I spoke to Omer Ismail and Mohamed Yahya, two leaders in the Darfuri community in the United States. Omer said that the fast allows people to “walk a mile in the shoes” of the people of Darfur, and to say to the government: “enough is enough – this is not sustainable, there needs to be change.” Mohamed said that the fast “means a lot to me as a Darfuri. We are passing through a difficult time – the fast comes at the perfect moment.” Mohamed says that through the fast “we will remind President Obama to keep his promises, and we will remind him that the people of America are sick of the situation in Darfur.”
Both Omer and Mohamed emphasized that actions like the fast are just one way to bring attention to the need for peace, protection and justice in Sudan. You can do your part by signing the citizen letter to President Obama, calling 1-800-GENOCIDE to speak to your elected officials and the White House, and spreading the word about these actions.
Photos - Top: Mohamed Yahya with members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Bottom: Omer Ismail, Niemat Ahmadi, Representative Payne, Mia Farrow & Mohamed Yahya. Photo credit: Save Darfur Coalition.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
Tags: California, Congress, Congressional Black Caucus, Darfur, Darfur Fast for Life, Georgia, New Jersey, Omer Ismail, Sudan, Washington DC
SandraJz says:
Today I did something…(a small [1st-step] to help the Darfur cause). I proudly signed the citizen letter to President Obama). I also wrote a comment under the Article about Mia’s fast. I give many ‘Thanks’ to Mia & (all) the beautiful people who are choosing to do..(something)no matter..how small! Let us NOT turn a ‘deaf-ear’. Think about it!