by EMILY HULEN
Three actors concerned about mass deaths in Darfur came to Washington and Lee University Tuesday to raise awareness among students.
The men's acting troupe, Chapmyn Spoken Word, was formed to educate people about the crisis and urge action.
During their 90-minute presentation, the men called Americans “hypocrites” because of an unwillingness to participate in relief efforts.
As many as 500,000 people may be dead in Darfur, Sudan. The numbers vary because no one knows for sure. More than 2.5 million refugees accuse the Sudanese government of genocide.
The Sudanese government denies involvement, but human rights groups, the United States government, and the United Nations call the deaths war crimes. All U.S. attempts to bring peace in Darfur have met opposition from the Sudanese government.
More than 40 students heard Chapmyn Spoken Word’s call to action. The actors said that even small donations change lives.
James H.
Chapmyn explains the effects of silence in America
Ways you can get involved:
See more from Chapmyn Spoken Word
Go to Africa with a New York Times columnist
Ask your senator or representative to take action
How celebrities are raising awareness
Track genocide in the 20th century
W&L groups fundraise for Darfur
Nov. 30, 2006
Students support Sudanese refugees
Nov. 30, 2006
Denied visas set back R.E. Lee Memorial
Church's plans for service in Sudan
Feb. 24, 2005
Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.
Lead supervisor: Prof. Claudette Artwick
Reporting supervisors:
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd