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.