Inez and Charles Barron
While we take down racists confederate statues –and we should– protest, mourn and support the tragic deaths in Barcelona, Spain and Charlottesville, Virginia –and we should– how about showing some love and support for the African People of Sierra Leone.
On August 14th, 2017 a devastating mudslide took the lives of over 450 people of the West African country of Sierra Leone. According to authorities in Sierra Leone, over 600 people are still missing and over 3000 people have lost their homes. Remember, Sierra Leone was one of the nations that suffered the tragic loss of life during the “Ebola crisis” in 2014 and 2015. This recent disaster, the mudslide, authorities say caused more destruction than the “Ebola Crisis”. Yet the world and the media have not reached the level of sustained focused attention that they have given to the Spain and Virginia tragedies.
Is it because we are Africans –Sierra Leone– and the other tragedies occurred to Europeans (Spain and Virginia)? All life is precious and should be respected and protected equally.
Be it far from me to just whine and complain. Let’s do something about it! Please join Operation P.O.W.E.R. (People Organizing and Working for Empowerment and Respect) an East New York Brooklyn based organization, Council Member Inez Barron, Power Community Organizer Joy Simmons, East New York Male District Leader and Community Board 5 Community Organizer Keron Alleyne, Community Board 5 Chair and Man Up, Inc. founder Andre T. Mitchell, Viola Plummer Chair of the December 12th Movement, Dr. James Macintosh Co-Chair of CEMOTEP, Minister Henry Muhammad-Muhammad Mosque 7C and Zainabu Sesay-Harrell of the Union of Sierra Leonean Organizations in New York for a benefit fundraiser, titled “Show Your Love For Sierra Leone”.
The fundraiser will take place Monday August 28th, 2017, at 6:30 P.M. at St. Paul Community Baptist Church located at 859 Hendrix Street, Between Linden Boulevard and Stanley Avenue, in East New York, Brooklyn. A special thanks to Reverend David Brawley Pastor of the St. Paul Community Baptist Church for allowing us to use his church to address this urgent crisis.
To donate online please visit www.gofundme.com/sierra-leone-flood-relief-2017.
We are an African people! Show your love for the suffering people of Sierra Leone! Forward Ever!
By Charles Barron
New York State Assembly Member
