On Saturday, June 10, 2006 more than 500 students, administrators, teachers and staff of the Sewanhaka Central High School District were joined by members Elsy Mecklembourg-Guibert, Aubrey Phillips, President and member elect Pamela Byer of the Elmont School Board and Assemblyman Tom Alfano, in a three mile “awareness walk” against genocide in the Sudan. The early morning walk began on the grounds of Sewanhaka High School and proceeded south along Covert and Meacham Avenues to Dutch Broadway. There the walk continued West along Dutch Broadway to Ridge Road, and ended at Elmont Memorial High School.
The “awareness walk” was punctuated by an assembly in Elmont Memorial High school’s auditorium. The assembly was called to order by the rhythm of drums, the Pledge of Allegiance and a beautiful rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”. Principal Capozzi welcomed the audience and introduced Dr. Baytoram Ramharack, organizer of the Awareness Walk and Social Studies Chairperson – Elmont Memorial High School. “Since 2003, the violence in Darfur has escalated. Rebels in Darfur took up arms to protect their communities against government supported armed militias known as “janjaweeds”. The janjaweeds are recruited from among predominantly Arabs in Darfur and neighboring Chad. The fighting is complicated by three issues: government forces fighting against armed civilians (mostly non-Muslims), government sponsor and support for janjaweed militias, and a struggle among members of the Darfur community to stay alive in the midst of the crisis.”
Dr Ramharack moderated the assembly. He introduced the Social Studies chairpersons of Floral Park Memorial, H. Frank Carey, New Hyde Park and Sewanhaka High Schools, all of whom played key roles in organizing the two weeks leading up to the walk. Students made classroom appearances, sold bracelets and T-shirts, displayed showcases and encouraged other students to participate. Each Chair presented a student from the school, and without exception each student eloquently addressed the Darfur problem and what is to be done by the students in attendance.
Assemblyman Alfano, sponsor of Darfur legislation in the NYS Assembly also spoke to the audience gathered. He promised to raise awareness for what the Sewanhaka students have done. He encouraged everyone to get involved by staying informed and taking action. “I am proud of the efforts of the youth of the 21st Assembly district and the Sewanhaka District as a whole. You continue to rise to the challenges posed academically and today, you demonstrate your awareness, commitment and drive to make a better world community.”
The gathering closed after a performance by Elmont Students of an African Dance and a final call for action. The Elmont Online Project, has in response to the call for action, published a banner which when selected takes visitors to a link where they can “Fill out the postcard … to become one of the million voices for Darfur.” Additionally you can visit the “Links” page where you will find our “Natural and Manmade Disaster Relief” option for more information on Darfur and other world crises.
