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Nigeria Inspired by U.S. Civil Rights Movement
Live Talk from July 15: Julie Sullivan
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 14, 2009 05:05 PM
Julie Sullivan is president and CEO of the International Foundation for Education and Self Help (IFESH), which focuses on education, conflict resolution and HIV/AIDS in Africa.
1. You recently participated in forums in Nigeria in advance of its 2011 elections. What was the goal?
The forums were hosted by the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Renee Sanders, and the aim was to increase media and civil society participation in the upcoming elections. IFESH does significant work in Nigeria on conflict prevention and HIV/AIDS, which is why the ambassador invited me as a guest speaker. The forums took place in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The intention was to provide the participants with ideas on how to build democracies through the strengthening of civil society, where the rule of law is respected and where communities can feel safe and empowered.
One of the key issues that was hotly debated was the role of local and state governments in ensuring free and fair elections -- since, in Nigeria, elections are often determined by religious, tribal or ethnic factors. One of the forums was held in Port Harcourt, which is located in one of the most volatile regions in the country, the Niger Delta. Interestingly enough, although Port Harcourt is one of the world's "hot spots," I observed on one sunny afternoon during my trip an expectant throng of young men and women watching the construction of a brand new secondary school that would one day soon replace their old dilapidated school -- a welcome sign of progress.
I spoke to representatives of community-based organizations, including women's and youth groups, small business groups and organizations serving underserved populations, such as orphaned and vulnerable children. I stressed that addressing election reform requires individuals who are willing to push for transparency and accurate information. I suggested to them that they have the means, through their leadership roles, to begin mobilizing people to exercise their rights and address inequities through awareness raising and networking among their constituencies.
2. What parts of the American experience struck a chord among Nigerians?
The example of the Civil Rights Movement and its non-violent approach to addressing inequities had a particular resonance for the participants -- as, of course, did the election of President Barack Obama. "Yes we can" has relevance in Nigeria too. The social models established by civil rights leaders, including my late father, Dr. Leon H. Sullivan (who founded IFESH), that addressed disparities through conflict mitigation and coalition building, are models that the Nigerian participants readily embraced as having the power to inspire them. We have a common desire to address inequities through education and coalition building. The question is: How do you come together to deal with such issues and resolve them in a peaceful and non-violent manner? My belief is that my discussions about the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, which led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and this country's own litmus test of electing its first black president, resonated with the participants and gave them inspiration to fight against corruption and disparities.
3. How can communications technology lead to change in Africa?
One in three Nigerians has a cellphone and many also have access to the Internet. Just as in the United States, media tools such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and podcasts can help organizations working at the grassroots level to promote democracy and improve voter outreach, participation and education. The traditional means of education, such as learning in the classroom are still vitally important, but they must be balanced with modern technology so that learning can be accelerated. The work of major international experts stresses the importance of the use of information technology to enable developing countries to gain ground in the critical areas of education, health and social reform. In our own programs in Africa, IFESH utilizes computer technology to develop and deliver curricula that incorporates the education reform agendas of African nations.
4. Why are events in Nigeria important to Americans?
You and I are impacted at the gas pump. One million barrels of oil arrive in the United States, each day from Nigeria, and a crisis there can drive up prices. But, for IFESH and other organizations that work in Africa, it's not about the price of gas. It's about helping to overcome poverty, disease and inequity. Africa has much to offer the world, beyond its abundance of raw materials. We all have a duty and a responsibility to help the people of that great continent to overcome the very serious problems they face.
5. Why is IFESH here? Are there ways for local residents to become involved?
We're based in Arizona because my late father decided to retire in this wonderful state. As for getting involved, there are many ways to make a difference. For example, you can volunteer, perhaps as one of our teachers for Africa. Or you can make a donation to IFESH, where a contribution of just $50 can ship $1,500 worth of donated books to schools in disadvantaged rural areas. Please contact us at information@ifesh.org and let us know how you would like to help.
