A Celebratory and Successful Event
The October 19th ‘Re-Birthing the Cool, BeBop and Beyond’ jazz concert made for a celebratory and successful evening, thanks to top jazz talent generously given to further the work of African Road, and with thanks to the participation of many guests.
Celebrated jazz legend David Watson led the band through some classics as well as original songs written by members of the band.
“I feel so privileged to be where I am and to be able to help [the Batwa people],” he addressed the audience between rounds of applause. “And I think the members of this band feel the same way.”
Combined ticket, wine and marketplace sales for the intimate benefit event totaled $2,700. What an exciting launch to fund ID Kits and health insurance for Batwa people!
A Worthy Cause
In Burundi, ID cards are required for some of the most basic human rights: the right to be considered a citizen in their own country, the right to a birth certificate for their child, to use local healthcare facilities, the right to vote, to be legally married, and to ride public transportation. While ID cards cost a bit of money, knowing how to navigate the system to get an ID is also an impediment. For the Batwa, a minority tribal group making up only 1% of the population, obtaining an ID can feel impossible. Historically having lived by hunting and gathering, these are consistently some of the poorest people in what is already considered one of the hungriest countries in the world*.
“What you are witnessing tonight – what you are part of tonight – is the power of community and friendship,” African Road Executive Director Kelly Bean spoke to those gathered and mingling at the event. “Whether it’s around music and art, whether it’s around building a bridge that brings transformation in another part of the world, you’re part of that story.”
Watch to hear more from Kelly Bean and some of the jazz we heard at this special event:
Visit the African Road/One Day’s Wages ID Kit Matching Funds page for the full story on this special and unique project and consider sponsoring identity and health insurance for an individual for $40 or an entire family for only $150. Any donation made through this site will be doubled and will go to meeting the ID Kit challenge. You can identify a goal, set up your own campaign on One Day’s Wages, and invite your friends and family to join in!
Our appreciation to David Watson and band members, to those who attended and helped out with the concert, to those who made ticket purchases but were unable to attend, and to those who have since made contributions to the cause after the event. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Questions or ideas about fundraising for African Road projects? Contact us! info@africanroad.org