'A Hip Hop Jam for Justice in Darfur'

On August 23rd, 2008, Maine artists and musicians held a visual and performing arts exhibition at the Space Gallery in Portland, Maine to raise money for people suffering in Darfur, Sudan.

The group B-Boys in Arms organized the event, through which $2,600 was raised for three humanitarian organizations working in the Darfur region of Sudan. ARC's program in Darfur received $866 of the total raised! 

As local artists, the B-Boys in Arms recognize that their responsibilities and concerns also involve the entire human race. So, they chose to use their talents to assist those in need, with hopes of improving the lives of others.  

The event raised money through admission tickets, a raffle, and through the sale of donated artwork - 90 pieces of hip hop inspired artwork (graffiti, mixed medium, installations, etc) were gathered from many diverse artists from across the country. 

"My friends and I are glad that we could harness this much positive energy and support into an event that was more then just a good time," said event co-organizer Alireza Khojastehzad. In addition to fundraising, "we wanted to educate people and give them simple to complex avenues to help the people of Darfur."

This event also gathered over 175 signed letters to each of Maine's senators and state representatives. One goal of the event was to show the positive elements of Hip-Hop and how it helped create awareness and response to this dire issue.

B-Boys in Arms chose ARC to receive event proceeds because of its low overhead and rich programs.

A Big Thanks from ARC to the B-Boys in Arms and all who made the "Jam for Justice" a success!