When I learned that the United Nations estimates there are 2.5 million slaves worldwide today and other organizations like International Justice Mission https://www.ijm.org conclude the number is much higher, I felt compelled to do something to help stop slavery. Instead of asking family, friends and fans to donate money for me to record more music, I am seeking support for my campaign to help stop slavery. https://support.dressemberfoundation.org/fundraise?fcid=372272
100% of all funds raised will be donated to International Justice Mission.
Starting December 1, 2014 and throughout the month of December, I will be posting pics of me wearing fabulous dresses at fun locations. I’ll tell you the country where the dress was made, name of designer and the story behind the dress (gift or purchase, what drew me to the dress, etc.) You can log into https://support.dressemberfoundation.org/fundraise?fcid=372272 and see our progress and make donations. Even if it’s $1.00, every little bit helps our cause.
I encourage you to read this brief National Geographic article “How we can end slavery.”
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0309/feature1/online_extra.html
You might ask what this #StopSlavery campaign has to do with music. We have always used music in our struggles for equal rights and justice. From the United States, slave songs that expressed desire to escape and breathe the sweet air of freedom “Jordan River I’m bound to cross,” “Freedom over me”; to the civil rights songs “Aint gonna let nobody turn me around” “Lift every voice and sing”, “What’s Going on”; to anti apartheid songs “Bring back Nelson Mandela” “N’kosi Sikele”; music has been there.
I love creating and performing “feel-good” music, having fun with my family and friends and being happy. Call me crazy, but I believe that everybody should have the right of the pursuit of happiness.
One Love…
Aria