South Sudanese Independence Celebration
The warm summer day carried a current of things to come, however it did not detract from the celebratory feeling permeating a gathering on the North Side of Chicago. Multicolored flags waved in a new nation, Southern Sudan. Many Chicagoan and Sudanese wore it with immense pride. We bore witness to a historic event, the dawn of a country. A future unwritten, hopes of what can be, and a since of unwavering humility.
On Saturday, July 9th, Anne Porowski, Amrita Davis, and Dr. Cranston Knight from UNA Greater Chicago witnessed the enormous event of new sovereignty. Dignitaries from across the city spoke, as did Amrita concerning the idea of Nationhood and global citizenship. UNA toasted a phenomena seldom seen; a people with hope of a country whose name was only hours old. Despite the many obstacles of nationhood ahead, the Sudanese held their flag for all to see, and took their rightful place among the dreamers of peace.
Later Tuesday, July 12, our President, Anne Porowski, and Mr. Malual Mayol Awak, President of the Sudanese Community Association of the Illinois were interviewed on The Cliff Kelley Show on WVON AM. Mr. Awak expressed the thoughts of the South Sudanese community here in Illinois, and Ms. Porowski explained the UN's role in bringing peace to the area. She also noted that the Security Council approved a peacekeeping force, called the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan or UNMISS, with up to 7,000 troops and up to 900 civilian police.
Enjoy select photos from the event below or click on the images and view them at our Picasa site!
We hope to offer the radio spot discussion on our website soon.
Videos from this event will available in the next few days!
Mayor Rahm Emanuel also expressed his support for the South Sudanese. You can read his letter here: http://bit.ly/qgi3lj Thank you Mayor.