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Truth Be Told: Kibera's Kids |
If you say Nairobi or even Kibera in the
U.S. these days, chances are pretty good
that people have heard of both, from
ongoing news reports. And perceptions
are not good - the political system is
in a shambles, rioting rocks the
streets, people are out of control. Not
entirely true.
I spent the day in Kibera slum of
Nairobi, Kenya, on April 5, 2008, taking
my camera along for an amazing
insider's tour granted me by Reuters
photographer Noor Khamis. I went in with
trepidation, but as you can see, quickly
found beauty. The photos in this set are
mine, and shots I took of Noor
interacting with 'his people' are in my
other album of Nairobi scenics. (I also
returned a month later for followup
trips and added a few shots into this
group.)
This trip inspired me to move forward
with the opening of a new art gallery in
Chicago. My first show, "Hope in a
Hard Place," featured art from a
collective I met in the slum, as well as
reprints of some of these photos. I
raised almost $1,400 to send back to
these kids, for arts programs, an
after-school program, and a new library.
I have had great luck with donations of
books, but need ideas or financial help
with shipping them. Who knew it would be
so ridiculously expensive? But I will
prevail. Email me if you want to help.
You can read more about my gallery, the
exhibit, and the fundraising efforts
here:
www.ArtWithinReason.com/books.html
You can also read my travel blog with
some thoughts about Kibera, here:
ronreason.com/TravelWithReason/
To explore the other albums in my Kenya
collection, go here:
www.flickr.com/photos/withinreason/colle
ctions/7215760440...
All photos © Ron Reason. High-res
versions available, please inquire.
59 photos | 203 views
items are from between 05 Apr 2008 & 08 Apr 2008.