Event Report: Sudan Mobilization Conference

The American Anti-Slavery Group thanks all attendees for participating in the Sudan Mobilization Conference and for their dedication to justice in Sudan. We'd like to extend a special thank you to all of the volunteers who helped us along the way, as well as during the conference, and made this event possible. Our gratitude to Denise Cotton and the Cotton family for supporting the conference and bringing the ideals of Dr. Samuel Cotton, former Columbia University professor and abolitionist, back to the Columbia campus.

Highlights

175 student and community activists joined the American Anti-Slavery and Sudanese and North African leaders for a day of discussion, activism, and illumination.
Participants listened to Simon Deng tell his story of abduction and slavery as a young boy growing up in southern Sudan. Deng's message of activism hit home when Daowd Salih, a refugee from Darfur, Sudan and the Vice Chairman of the Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy, spoke about the parallels in Darfur and the gross human rights violations and genocide being committed by the Sudanese governemnt, the National Islamic Front.
Mammadou Barry and Abda Wone, representatives of the African Liberation Forces of Mauritania (FLAM) and leaders of the Mauritanian community in the United States, spoke of similar situations occuring in Mauritania and North Africa, a system of slavery through which Arab Berbers inherit and trade Black Muslim slaves like property.
In addition to inspiring the speeches, conference participants attended workshops on how to initiate state and university divestment campaigns, targeting companies operating in Sudan; how to organize an event and work with the media; and networking with African leaders and engaging the Sudanese and North African community in activism efforts throughout the United States.

Materials:

If you were unable to attend the conference, but would like to peruse our packet of conference materials, click on the following links:

State and University Divestment Guide
Planning a Candlelight Vigil (for vigils, rallies, and similar events)
Fundraising Guide

Click here to learn about booking conference presenters for your own events.

Comments from Participants:

"The kids from Moorestown Friends came away with great enthusiasm to do more than just the concert and speaker. One girl is interested in starting a STAND affiliate here and look into divestment issues here."

—Peter Larson, Teacher, Moorestown Friends School, NJ

"It was really interesting to hear Sudanese speakers opinions on the situation in the Sudan and Darfur. I would love to be able to bring [Simon Deng] to GW for a panel discussion."

—Sara Weisman, STAND, George Washington University

View photos from the conference »

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