Don Cheadle: A Person of Influence

Bruised, bloody and bound, nine women lay side by side on the filthy ground beneath Darfur's blistering sun. These women, often denied food and water, had survived four months of constant degradation and rape at the hands of the Arab black African militia known as Janjaweed. The cries of these women and so many more found the kind and concerned ears of actor Don Cheadle, who took up his sword to lead the fight against the injustices and poverty found in Darfur and all over the continent of Africa.

Don Cheadle, actor, director, producer, author, and humanitarian, has stared in over 40 films and 20 TV episodes. After playing a hotel manager in "Hotel Rowanda," he was shocked and energized into becoming an activist to bring awareness to the genocide, and monumental suffering of the people in the Darfur region of Sudan. The over 400,000 deaths and 2.5 million people forced to leave their homes and live in deplorable refugee camps inspired Mr. Cheadle to co-author a book with activist, John Prendergast, entitled, "Not on Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond." This book challenges its readers to become politically active and use their influence to raise awareness about this horrible human crisis. Along with fellow actors, he founded an organization, Not on Our Watch, to draw on the powerful voices of artists, activists and cultural leaders, to generate lifesaving assistance and protection for the vulnerable, marginalized and displaced. Last year this group raised 6 million dollars to help prevent malnutrition, administer immunizations to children, teach hygiene and safe cooking practices, and provide health care and alternatives to dangerous fuel gathering outside the refugee camps. They also helped protect various aid agencies and contributed to the Humanitarian Aid Helicopter Service, which were all vital services for the millions of displaced people in the refugee camps.

In 2007, Don Cheadle and Annie Duke hosted, "Ante Up for Africa," a star-studded, poker tournament, that raised over 700,000 dollars for Africa. These donations through the ENOUGH project and The International Rescue Committee provide health care counseling, vocational skills and legal assistance to the refugees. Mr. Cheadle is also active in US Doctors for Africa, and the World Food Programme.

Academy Award nominee, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award recipient, and Peace Summit Award winner, Don Cheadle, has testified before the senate, met with Condoleezza Rice, and influenced the passing of several laws including, the Sudan Accountability and Diversement Act. He continues to march for individual rights, as well as raise awareness and financial support for the people of Africa as he asks us, "What are you trying to achieve as a global citizen in the brief time that you are here?"