DON CHEADLE AND COLLEGE STUDENT TAKE ON DARFUR

Don Cheadle and a college student’s activism are two of the subjects covered in the documentary Darfur Now.

Movie star activist Don Cheadle has been extremely public about stopping the 21st century genocide in Darfur and now he’s making it known to the masses on the big screen in Darfur Now. In the documentary Don travels the world with pal George Clooney to pressure government officials and world leaders to act.

Being socially conscious was not at the top of Don Cheadle’s extra curricular activities at college so he was impressed with UCLA student Adam Sterling’s dedication to help get a bill passed that will keep California’s State funds out of Sudan which is signed by Governor Schwarzenegger.

“I was socially conscious; I wasn’t socially active. I didn’t do anything about it. I was aware of things that were happening around me but I wasn’t motivated to act so he’s an amazing story to me. And I didn’t start off that way. I actually looked down on the kids that we thought were the activists. My first job organizing I was at school in San Diego and I organized bus trips down to Tijuana. So I got my training there but it wasn’t until I found this story and connected with what was happening in Darfur that I found my activist so it’s a testament that anyone can make a difference. You just need a little bit of a commitment and think a bit more creatively and then where can I donate a few bucks.”

Adam and Don began their rally cry against the catastrophe happening in Sudan before the film went into production.

“I think it’s more than just laying the table and putting it in front of them. If people really think about it and ask themselves the question ‘is this tolerable or is this something that needs to be stopped.’ I mean it’s the 21 century’s first genocide and it’s happening and it’s happening now. The time is here to do something about it and become active. I think you just have to tap that part of yourself and say where do I want to stand on the side of history when this will have an end at some point. And where will the end be and where will I be. What’s my record going to be on Darfur? I hope it’s one of trying to get involved to put an end to the worst humanitarian crisis on the face of the planet right now.”

The UN sponsored peace talks in Darfur began with Sudan’s government committing to a ceasefire but unfortunately were soon boycotted by nation’s main rebel chiefs. You can get involved by visiting the website Myspace.com/Darfurnow or call the hotline 1-800-GENOCIDE.