Sometimes events allow people to be joined together in a manner
that presses for action and accountability. Events at Harvard in
advance of Kofi Annan’s speech include a rally on Wednesday afternoon
on Cambridge Common at 6 PM EST. And the people joining
together at Harvard are increasingly calling him to task for not
taking a strong enough stand on Sudan.
The rally itself promises to bring a challenge to the Secretary
General. Speakers include Gloria White-Hammond, a noted minister
and pediatrician who is active with the American Anti-Slavery Group, as
well as former US Ambassador to Tanzania Charles Stith.
Harvard students have begun a campaign to wear green ribbons to support
action for Sudan, and these will be handed out at the entrances to the
main commencement gathering, as well as at the Black Graduation
assembly, the Kennedy School of Government ceremony, and
the Wednesday afternoon rally.
Finally, statements of support for stronger action are appearing in the
press and by public figures, including the Washington Post’s
excellent op-ed yesterday followed by an online dialogue with
Jerry Fowler of the Holocaust Museum. Bishop Tutu sent a
statement to be read at the rally and posted on the Internet. And
whether by coincidence or design, presidential candidate John Kerry
released a strong statement in support of action for Sudan yesterday.
Eyes will be on Kofi Annan on Thursday afternoon, as he makes a major
address to a wide audience. What will he say? How will he
suggest we end the paralysis of the world’s governments, and take
strong action for the people of Sudan?
