Photo by L. Kasimu Harris
By Aaron Morrison
NABJ Convention Online Staff
Calling attention to socioeconomic issues in other countries is something that actress Alfre Woodard doesn’t mind doing.She was joined by Sharon Gelman, executive director for Artists for a New South Africa at this year’s W.E.B. DuBois lecture at the 32nd annual NABJ Convention and Career Fair at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.National Public Radio’s Farai Chideya moderated the discussion with Woodard and Gelman on how celebrities and others with media power have influenced change in parts of the African continent. “We see our connection to South Africa as part of the change in the continent of Africa,” Gelman said. “Now that people can go to South Africa, there’s been a really great bond between us and [them].”Gelman and Woodard are board members for ANSA, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization working to combat HIV/AIDS, advance human rights and promote democracy in South African regions.Woodard said she believes activism is something that should live within the human spirit “Social activism is an expression of man’s intelligence,” Woodard said. “I think we have to pretty much be asleep to not recognize the need in the world.”ANSA has raised $9 million for programs in Africa and shipped 70 tons of medical supplies and book to the region.
“Africa has the answers to Africa’s problems,” Gelman said. “We just have to provide support to them here in America.”
