Yearly Archives: 2008

A network called Pyramids of Peace met Mungiki (Kikuyu militia) in Naivasha last week, and persuaded them to remove roadblocks for the next seven days. They need airtime and cellphones to continue this amazing work.

A tapestry of national-geographic-like imagery and stories on the history and the culture of the Karimojong people of Uganda, this publication is more than a coffee table book.

Tony Okafor of Financial Solutions Mortgage Corporation in Brooklyn Center has earned certification as a small commercial lending expert, through The Capital Loan Program, by successfully completing a comprehensive online education program.

When preparing to file your federal tax return, don't forget your contributions to charitable organizations. Your donations could add up to a sizeable tax deduction if you itemize on IRS Form 1040, Schedule A.

Andy Palacio, the Belizean musician who went on a quest to rescue the music and culture of the Garifuna people of Central America, died Jan. 19, succumbing to a series of strokes and subsequent heart attacks.  He was 47.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – It is a cold Sunday evening on Jan. 13, as more than 1400 people gather at the Ordway Center in St. Paul.  They are here to see Angelique Kidjo, the five-time Grammy nominated singer, along with her five-piece band. 

The stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is still prevalent among many communities in the world. With progress made in the health care field, a positive HIV status is no longer an immediate death sentence. While there is neither cure nor vaccine to prevent an HIV infection, there are treatments that allow for a patient to live longer and have a comfortable life.

The failure of the federal government to pass comprehensive immigration reform has led state and local governments to take this issue into their own hands.  At a news conference on Jan. 7, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty jumped back into the immigration fray, unveiling his new plan to crack down on illegal immigration.  The governor’s plan includes a mix of orders and proposals that reflect some of the steps taken by other states throughout the country.

for daring to speak out against electoral malpractices, and human rights violations in the past weeks in Kenya. The threats arrrive by email, sms, phone. Their names are on lists, being circulated globally, that denounce them as "traitors to the Kikuyu people" and suggest they should be killed.

Thousands of Minnesotans braved long windy queues on a cold winter Saturday afternoon to hear Senator Barack Obama speak. Obama was in Minneapolis for a campaign stop ahead of February 5th, 2008 (Super Tuesday) when 22 states will hold their primaries. Minnesota will be one of the states caucusing on Tuesday.

Sukuma Kenya was set up a few weeks ago by Dipesh Pabari, close friend, dedicated Kenyan journalist and activist. It's the charity I recommend to everyone who asks where they can donate to ease the suffering of displaced Kenyans. First, because I can personally vouch that EVERY PENNY you donate, beyond transaction fees, goes directly to the relief effort. All those involved are volunteers - no overhead costs.