3 Points: An NBA Star Visits Darfur

3 PointsTracy McGrady (T-Mac) of the Houston Rockets recently traveled to Africa for a documentary about the situation at the Darfur refugee camps. Upon arrival Tracy showed his ignorance of the true situation in many ways, but as Tracy interviewed some of the residents through an interpreter, I became increasingly impressed with his interest in the situation and his resolve to draw attention to an international situation that is, in my opinion, sadly overlooked.

 Now there are approximately 2.5 million refugees living in the camps. The refugees lack schools for the education of their children, lack wells, and often lack adequate health care. While Tracy McGrady was at the camps, he asked many of the residents what a typical American could do to help them about their situation. Upon learning more about their plight and the conflict, he was struck by the contrast between the consumerism of the average American as opposed to the lives of the members of the refugee camps. In addition to this, the voices of those who lived through the horror of what some call a genocide need to be heard.

In response to the concerns raised to him, Tracey started a non-profit organized called the Darfur Dream Team whose purpose is raising awareness about the conflict, the conditions of the refugees, and building schools for the children at the camps. The Darfur Dream Team has encouraged some American schools to become sister schools to schools at the camp. In addition, the organization has raised awareness through public engagements and through the film 3 Points, which is available to watch online for free on Hulu.

Other celebrities are taking action in other ways as well. Mia Farrow fasted for 12 days on water only in a show of solidarity with the refugees and on September 21, Darfur Fast for Life is planning an international fast for this cause. Darfur Fast for Life  is urging political action to stop the violence with teeth and is encouraging citizens to contact their politicians to demonstrate how important this issue is. Their  website also has an update of the current political situation in the region.

According to the Enough Project, the US special envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration is in Sudan this week to take a look at the implementation of the peace agreement in the region. For an insightful blog, please check out the Enough Project's blog, as they have been closely monitoring the situation for some time now.