Bangladesh…Bosnia…Rwanda…Darfur…Never Again!
Beachwood, Ohio, July 9, 2008 – Genocide and ethnic cleansing are not things of the past, they live on around the globe. Northeast Ohio’s Interreligious Community joins hundreds of others across the U.S. responding to the crisis in Darfur by creating tents that are unique works of art and ongoing focal points for learning, assisting and establishing relationships with the people of Sudan.
Nine tents will be on display July 15-27, 2008, created by Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Building Bridges Interfaith Arts Collaborative, Cleveland Hillel Foundation, Cleveland Jewish News, Green Road Synagogue, Heights Christian Church/ Faith and Culture Workshop at Camp Christian, InterAct Cleveland, Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland/ American Jewish Committee/NAACP, and The Park Synagogue. Some have been decorated by congregations; others will be created by the community as visitors make fabric squares (optional $2 purchase) into personal expressions to be attached to the tents. Several of the tents on display will join an international “Gathering of the Tents” on the National Mall November 6-8, 2008.
With regular admission to the Museum, visitors can:
- Learn about the situation in Darfur and how they can help
- See tents sponsored by local faith organizations, create their own unique fabric square to attach to the tents
- See squares created by Anita Diamont (prizewinning journalist and author of six books including national best-seller The Red Tent); Jasmine Guy (actress/singer/ dancer best known for the television series A Different World); Lisa Ling (journalist, former co-host of The View, and special correspondent for the Oprah Winfrey Show); Brian Steidle (former Marine captain, human rights activist, photographer, journalist and author) and American Jewish World Services (a nonprofit organization that provides nonsectarian humanitarian assistance and emergency relief to disadvantaged people worldwide)
- See Tents: A Patchwork Project, a brand-new 20-minute documentary shot in Darfur by filmmaker Francesca Roveda (plays continuously during Museum hours)
- Write letters to lawmakers encouraging support on issues critical to ending genocide
- Play The Uprooted Game, a refugee simulation that’s compelling and educational
- View the Museum’s Permanent Collection, An American Story, including exhibits on immigration, the effects of hate and discrimination, and Never Again?, an interactive display focusing on genocide around the world.
- Participate in Darfur Action Day on July 20 all activities & events FREE with admission
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- See Darfur Now, an acclaimed documentary following the story of six people (including actor Don Cheadle) determined to end the suffering in Darfur, and showing how one individual can create extraordinary change. One showing (1 – 2:45PM), limited seating and no reservations.
- Participate in an Interreligious Panel Discussion (3 – 4:00 PM) and Community Vigil (4:15 PM)
- Meet filmmaker Francesca Roveda and representatives of Tents of Hope
- Hear stories told in the African tradition
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