Students of Fairfax High School and Jordan High School have been inspired to organize this event after hearing the keynote speech by the Congolese humanitarian, Guy-Patrice Lumumba, son of Congo’s first prime minister. This year these students have organized clothing drives for the Congo and are educating other youth about how they can become a part of this movement. Looking for a way to bring their message to a wider audience, students are reaching out to celebrities and public figures whom they admire; in hopes that they would learn about what is going on in the Congo and become a part of the solution.
As of today, the conflict in DR Congo has tallied a death count of over 5 million. The war started in 1998 and a treaty was signed in 2003, but the war, death, raping, and displacement has continued. People in the DR Congo are still dying at rate of approximately 45,000 a month due to violence, disease, and famine indirectly caused from the war.
The purpose of The Power of 99 is to draw media attention to this issue so the voice of the suffering Congolese community will be heard.
The Power of 99 is part of a week long effort to spread awareness about the Congo crisis. Lumumba Week in LA 2009 explores the legacy of slain freedom fighter Patrice Lumumba while calling attention to the pressing need of aid and intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Following the The Power of 99, an after-party will be held at Hermosa Beach’s premier club, Zen Lounge. General admission cover is 20 dollars. Doors open at 9pm. Part of the proceeds of the cover charge will go to Mothers for Africa’s campaign to provide clothes for displaced people in the Congo.
The Ebere Knowalzi Foundation, in conjunction with Mothers for Africa and Da Lighthouse Outreach, will be hosting this event.
For information regarding The Power of 99, or VIP list/ Bottle service for the after party please contact David Bodger at:
424 241 8933 or david.bodger@
