[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E426]]
                         HOW WE CAN HELP AFRICA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, the plight of Sub-Saharan Africa is one that 
has concerned our country for some time now. Africa faces many 
challenges that potentially threaten long-term stability, including the 
world's most serious HIV/AIDS pandemic, widespread rural and urban 
poverty, and civil and ethnic conflict. In constant dollar terms, 
incomes in Africa are only about $100 higher than in 1960.
  With so many problems facing the continent, many Americans may wonder 
what they themselves can do to help. This question was addressed in a 
recent news release from Julius E. Coles, President of Africare. 
Africare is the oldest and largest African-American organization 
dedicated to African development. While his organization oversees the 
distribution of millions of dollars to projects across Africa, Mr. 
Coles has offered in this release some simple steps that average 
Americans can take in the effort to help Africa. In short, he advocates 
that Americans get to know Africa--its history, people, food, 
languages, music, and current events.
  In so doing they will be gaining the knowledge and understanding 
necessary to advocate effectively for Africa to their elected 
officials. With large African communities in most cities, Americans 
have ample opportunity to get to know Africa without even leaving home. 
Americans should also begin to invest in companies and ventures that 
engage in sustainable and mutually beneficial investment in Africa, or 
take the extra step to buy products made in Africa.
  In addition, Americans should remember to donate to reputable charity 
and nonprofit organizations that operate in Africa. As governmental 
capacity in most African nations is lacking, the non-profit sector 
serves an important role in providing assistance to those in need. 
Again I thank Mr. Coles for his release, it clearly reminds us that we 
all can help Africa, we need only take the first simple step.

                     [From Africare, Feb. 25, 2005]

                      10 Ways You Can Help Africa

                          (By Julius E. Coles)

       Washington, DC.--I have worked with Africa for nearly 40 
     years; and as a result, I am often approached by people here 
     in the United States who want to help the people of Africa 
     but who also feel overwhelmed. It may be the continent's 
     vastsize that intimidates, or the depth of some of its 
     challenges, or the media reports that highlight Africa's 
     problems but minimize the progress that has been made. ``Can 
     I really make a difference?'' people ask. ``Yes,'' I always 
     tell them, ``you can.''
       As I write these words, Black History Month is nearing its 
     end. We have celebrated the achievements of our African-
     American community and honored our hereditary roots in 
     Africa. Now, I propose that we Americans continue the 
     celebration by committing ourselves to help Africa year-
     round. What follows are 10 ways in which you--an individual, 
     a family, a member of a social or civic group, a small 
     business, a church, a school--can do just that.
       Read. The more you know about Africa, the better you can 
     motivate others to help. Read a survey of African history 
     since the dawn of humankind more than 200,000 years ago. Read 
     a book about black African leaders, from the Kushite pharaohs 
     of ancient Egypt to the giants of 20th century independence 
     (Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Leopold Senghor of Senegal, 
     Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Haile 
     Selassie of Ethiopia and more). Follow African current events 
     on Web sites like AllAfrica (allafrica.com), BBC News 
     (newsbbc.co.uk/2/hi/afiica) and CNN (www.cnn.com/WORLD/
 africa/archive).
       Teach, learn. If you're a teacher, plan a lesson or special 
     project about Africa. If you're a parent, look for a fun 
     ``African experience'' your family can share. If you're a 
     student, do a research paper on Africa or start an Africa 
     Club with your friends. If your school has African students, 
     have a special assembly and ask them to speak.
       Write. Voice your views and perspectives on Africa-related 
     issues. Write a letter to your senator, member of congress, 
     or state or local government official. Share your concerns 
     with companies engaged in Africa. Author a guest editorial 
     for your community or school newspaper, or a posting to your 
     favorite Internet message board.
       Speak. If you've traveled or worked in Africa, give a talk 
     to a group you belong to. If you've never been to Africa, 
     arrange for an African immigrant who lives in your community 
     to speak.
       Travel. If you have the means, visit Africa. Consider a 
     group trip: traveling in groups can add to the fun as well as 
     reduce the costs (group discounts are often substantial); As 
     much as possible, do business with African vendors for 
     transport, lodging and tours. While in Africa, absorb the 
     beautiful scenery and cultural  sites--but also take the time 
     to meet local people, learn about their lives and 
     understand the development challenges that they face. 
     Finally, stay connected, and committed, once you return 
     home. For example, if you visited a drought-prone country, 
     involve your friends in raising funds for water wells.
       See, hear, eat . . . enjoy! African culture is accessible 
     in most American cities. You can see an African film 
     (Afrique-sur-Seine, The Gods Must Be Crazy) or a film about 
     Africa (Hotel Rwanda, The Lost Boys of the Sudan, Cry 
     Freedom). Attend a performance of African music or dance. 
     Visit an African art museum. Eat at an African restaurant. 
     Enjoy and appreciate the incredible variety of cultures that 
     are ``African'' and share those enthusiasms with others.
       Meet. Almost every city and many smaller communities in the 
     United States are home to first-generation Africans. Find 
     opportunities to meet your African neighbors, to learn from 
     them and to invite their participation in local 
     organizations. Reach out especially to new arrivals, who 
     might welcome your help finding housing and jobs and 
     generally adjusting to American life.
       Invest. You may be in a position to invest in an African 
     business or to join a group of investors with African 
     interests (there are growing numbers of African investment 
     funds you might want to explore). On the other hand, even the 
     simple act of buying African art in an American store helps 
     to support the artists and their families in Africa. 
     Depending on where you work, you might also engage your 
     employer in African investment or trade.
       Donate. Make a charitable donation to one of the many 
     reputable organizations assisting Africa. Your gift may be 
     large or small. Usually you can give online. You can support 
     special projects or offer to help ``where needed most'' in 
     Africa. You can give individually; you can organize a fund 
     raiser; you can give in your workplace.
       Share. Send this article to 10 people, and ask each to send 
     it on to 10 more--and encourage all recipients to help Africa 
     this year in one of the nine other ways presented above.

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