I had the extreme honor to be present at the "Evening with Ya Toivo" on Thursday, August 21st, in Windhoek, Namibia.  This was one of many events that have been organized around Namibia to celebrate this icon's birthday (which actually was on August 22nd), culminating in the major event on September 13th.  For those of you who don't know, Toivo ya Toivo is the "Nelson Mandela" of Namibia.  The event Thursday was wonderful  There were about 200 people there, and the program was held outside in Parliament Gardens.  Mac Maharaj (official spokesperson for the President of South Africa) was the "keynote speaker" so to say, and he was absolutely incredible.  A close second was when ya Toivo, Maharaj, and Helao Shityuwete (all former Robben Island prisoners) were on stage together reflecting on their experience in prison; it was hilarious and informative at the same time.   That evening made the whole trip worthwhile, but then I was doubly honored to have Ya Toivo and his wife Vicky come to the guesthouse where I am staying and VISIT ME before I fly to Cape Town tomorrow.  WOW!!!  The picture is from that visit.e to edit.

I am so excited to let you know that the Political Prisoners of South Africa Documentation Project has entered a new phase; it is now a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non‐profit arts service organization!!  This means that contributions to the Documentation Project, via Fractured Atlas, are tax deductible.  There is more information below and on our sponsored project page about how one can make a contribution.

As you may know, the Political Prisoners of South Africa Documentation Project involves collecting, archiving, and sharing materials from the Bracelet Program. 

·         Collecting – Although we have substantial information already, there are gaps.  While we have biographical information about most prisoners before they were sentenced, we don’t have updates in terms of what happened to them after they were released. This material must be gathered.

·         Archiving – Relevant archives (online and physical) must be identified and agreements must be established regarding the use the materials. 

·         Sharing – The Documentation Project will share materials in a variety of ways; online, in archives, via book form, in exhibits, and via a collaborative participatory mural project.  The Mural Project is perhaps the most ambitious initiative. It involves collaborative learning and participatory creative expression in three cities/countries; Cape Town, South Africa, Windhoek, Namibia, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.  The target group for this initiative is youth, and will involve mural artists, educators, community youth groups, university students, and other resource people in each country. 

All of these wonderful activities take resources!  We need your support to make these goals a reality.  Your contribution is truly essential at this juncture.   Won’t you consider making a tax-deductible contribution?   Please click on our "Donate" button for more information.