Current Exhibition

Darfur: Photojournalists Respond

Now Open through November 2009

This exhibition is generously sponsored by the McCormick Foundation

Leora Kahn encourages social change through photography and education.

This exhibit is presented courtesy of Holocaust Museum Houston and generously sponsored by the McCormick Foundation.  "Darfur: Photojournalists Respond" is open from August 26th through November 30, 2009

What Can You Do to Respond to Genocide?

"As an institution devoted to preserving the memory of those lost in the Holocaust, we are anguished by the fact that the promise of ‘Never Again’ remains unfulfilled. We hope that your experience today inspires you to act. May we always remember that, through our actions, each of us has the power to change this world for the better."     - Richard S. Hirschhaut, Executive Director, IHMEC

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center recognizes that to honor the memory of those who were lost during the Holocaust, we must teach others, so that they may learn to speak out in the face of hatred, indifference and genocide in the world today. We must remind ourselves that to honor the memory we seek to preserve, we must realize the lessons that were set forth for us, not only during the Holocaust, but through all genocides past and present.

We often claim that we did not know, or could not, or cannot do much to stop genocide. But we must ask ourselves…what can be done? What should be done? What can I do? What can we do as a global community to protect our fellow human beings, to respond in the face of the actual crime, and to prevent genocide from happening again?

Now It’s Up to You!

Five Tips for Taking Action    

"It is through the efforts of local citizens, especially youth, that the international community can slowly move Sudan towards long-lasting peace and stability. And, if we are to ever truly make ‘Never Again’ a reality, then we must all be upstanders for humanity by acting now against ongoing genocide in Darfur."     - Ethan Barhydt, Founder, Youth United For Darfur

1.  Inform Yourself & Others

Continue to stay informed and aware about the current situation in Darfur and other areas of concern by reading the newspaper, watching news broadcasts or visiting and joining websites with the most up-to-date information.

• ENOUGH Project: www.enoughproject.org
• Genocide Intervention Network: www.genocideintervention.net
• Save Darfur Coalition: www.savedarfur.org

2.  Obtain Local Press Coverage

Write a letter to your local newspaper as a way to raise awareness and let others know why ending the genocide in Darfur is important.

3.  Contact Your Elected Officials

Elected officials need to hear your voice of encouragement and support. They need to know that they must make ending genocide a priority. They have the ability to pass legislation and use diplomatic pressure to end genocide, and you the voter must make noise!

• Call 1-800-Genocide, the first ever anti-genocide hotline that connects constituents directly to their elected officials.
• Visit www.DarfurScores.org to see a detailed grading of how each member of Congress has either supported or failed to take action against genocide.

4.  Get Involved in Divestment

Be a socially responsible investor. Since 2005, over 20 states and more than 50 universities have adopted Sudan divestments. Visit www.sudandivestment.org to learn more and make sure your pension funds or investments are not supporting the Sudanese regime.

5.  Be an Active Responder

Join an organization that empowers individuals and communities to take action to prevent and end genocide. By either joining our museum in its efforts or as a student joining a local chapter of STAND (Students Take Action Now Darfur), you can become a leader in the movement to end genocide in our time. Visit www.standnow.org to learn more about other ways you can stand up and speak out against genocide.

Photograph by Michael Sager