A24 Media launches Africa dialogue portal

click to enlarge

Issues www.AfricaSpeaks4Africa.org aims to address includes the relationship of interventions for social, economic, cultural and political development on the continent.

Outcome of a symposium

The initiative is a result of a symposium brought about by the United Support of Artists for Africa (USA for Africa), Trust Africa, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Africa Humanitarian Action and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The symposium hosted thinkers, practitioners and activists from Africa and abroad in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of 'We are the World', entitled 'Reflections on international humanitarian interventions in Africa' at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 21-23 September 2010.

Africa speak 4 Africa has been launched in order to continue the dialogue sparked during the symposium.

"A24 Media is proud to be a part of this project. It has been a challenging and exciting journey developing the portal and this portal fits in perfectly with A24 Media's vision of Africans telling the African story", said Salim Amin, chairman of A24 Media.

1984 Ethiopian famine

The relationship between A24 Media, its sister company Camerapix, and USA for Africa began as a collaborative effort in response to a humanitarian crisis; the 1984 Ethiopian famine. When the harrowing footage of the Ethiopian famine victims was relayed to millions across the world in 1984, thanks to African iconic photographer Mohamed Amin, it touched the conscience of many and spurred millions to action.

Governments, NGOs and individuals responded, sending all manner of help to alleviate the deep suffering of the famine victims. But of notable impact was the solidarity expressed by world's top rated musicians, under the aegis of USA for Africa, who went on to record the hit song 'We Are The World'. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and it went on to sell more than seven million copies. The proceeds from these sales were channeled to the famine relief in Ethiopia and thousands of lives were saved as a result.

Off the back of this initiative, USA for Africa also announced a scholarship program at the Mohamed Amin Foundation (The MoForce), which is affiliated to A24 Media. The MoForce aims to help students gain the skills to pursue careers in the media and raise journalistic standards across Africa.

Go to http://africaspeaks4africa.org for more informaton.