"I Am African"

The "I Am African" campaign is an initiative in response to the AIDS epidemic in Africa, sponsored by www.KeepAChildAlive.org/. The campaign is swiftly earning criticism due to its images of prominent Hollywood figures such as, Sarah Jessica Parker, Heidi Klum, Gywneth Paltrow, Alicia Keys, Tyson Beckford, Iman, and several others adorned in African garb, with faces proudly baring African tribal paints. The words, "I Am African" emblazoned across every photo sends out an important message that I feel is being undermined by the senseless controversy surrounding the pictures.

My opinion? Don't pull the race card here and miss the point. Don't allow an image to make you turn the other way, while you ignore the fine print. The point here, I believe is simply to embed in our minds' eye - and eventually in our way of thinking - that we are all one in the same, and equally have a responsibility to help uplift, heal, strengthen, and educate one another.

Click HERE to visit the official site, for more information and images in support of the campaign.

"Africa is bursting into flames while we all stand around with watering cans." - Bono