Abolish Slavery Haiti Fund Raising Event June 10th

Join Abolish Slavery and Guns and Roses Drummer, Matt Sorum with Music
All-Stars to Bring “Hands Together” for women and children in need.

When: Thursday June 10, 2010

Address: My House
7080 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028

Time: 9 PM to 1 AM

Host: Comedian Ben Morrison with special guests at 10:30 PM

DJs:

REFLEx
Grant Shapiro
Gavin O’Connor
Jason Kramer of KCRW
Darrel Adams of KIN

Proceeds from this event will benefit the June Port au Prince missions to rescue and restore dignity to the women and children of Haiti (bringing clean water, solar energy, Human Rights workers, child rescue, rehabilitation, education, and disaster relief). To donate to this rescue mission, please click the donate button:

Corporate Sponsors:

Black Card Circle Foundation, ECoEfficiency.org, Blue Angel Vodka, Living Green, World Trust, Events 11, Airline Ambassadors, Seldon Water, FTL Solar Technologies, Green Galaxy, Global Green

“Let Her Speak” The Making of The Aung San Suu Kyi Portrait

Let Her Speak
by Aaron Cohen with Jennifer Serdienis

Burma has been a part of my life since my college years when I was first invited to Southeast Asia for anti-trafficking work. Aware of a student movement in Burma that had smuggled cameras and freedom newspapers inside the country, I was excited to support their work and hear the mystical tales of jungle adventures and bazaar superstitions. When I started crossing the borders into the deep jungles of what was being called “Myanmar,” I didn’t realize then how this small county’s struggle for freedom against an oppressive military regime would become a lifelong passion, inspiring in me the notion of redemption. Redemption for all of us…to work together and liberate the lost and persecuted ethnic minorities hiding along the borders of Thailand, Laos, Burma, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

In the 1990’s, Burma’s military junta violently imposed marshal law over its people leading to mass protests spear-headed by a strong, non-violent leader advocating for peace, Aung San Suu Kyi. The protesters, mostly students, were risking their lives for the right to freedom, and their massive public outcry led to international attention forcing the military junta to call for a general election. She won the election; however, the results were systematically nullified and Suu Kyi was kept under a mysterious house arrest. She has remained under various forms detention for almost 20 years.

Meanwhile, through our missions, we were bringing in aid and developing relations with the Karen, the Shan, and the Wa tribes. Our Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) with the ethnic army commanders implemented a “no child soldier” policy, which then allowed us to bring in medicinal, educational, and nutritional support. Over that period Aung San Suu Kyi remained under house arrest, and she was silenced from speaking in public. The West and its politicians only kept a drone of protest alive, but didn’t put any real teeth into a solution. They called again to have the political prisoners released but, were subjugated to endless talk and delays.

I have seen first hand the wildly unjust oppression of the Burmese army, and in those jungles my life changed forever, because I have emerged with a better understanding of what Aung San Suu Kyi was trying to accomplish. Here is a woman who has sacrificed her own freedom for the hope that others might someday have justice and democracy.

While watching this unfold at the time, I had no idea how long she would remain imprisoned. Where was the public outcry? This struggle for freedom would transform into a world movement 20 years later, which was longer than I had anticipated.

Inspired by her grace and conviction, we rounded up as many colleagues who were also moved to action by her perseverance. As Suu Kyi’s story just recently became more prominent in the United States, I realized much hadn’t really changed in the last 20 years since her election. The first question most American’s unfortunately asked was, “Who is Aung San Suu Kyi?” Tragically, it seemed as if society had actually decided to let her and Burma go down the toilet with all of our freedoms and ideals of democracy attached to them. We couldn’t let her message of FREEDOM drown in a sea of rape, child soldiering, murder, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, and human trafficking could we?

While with Amnesty International, Jack Healey met Aung San Suu Kyi. He had spent 30 years advocating for political prisoners. Jack pioneered a campaign for the on going Burma movement with Jeremy Woodrum and Tim Hardy of the US Campaign for Burma. Joining this movement was Rich Leger and Sandy Kikerpill of AbolishSlavery.org, and Brian Sirgutz and Ryan Scott of Causecast.org, a non-profit online networking site synonymous with Youtube and Myspace, but for activists and causes. Brian Sirgutz, Jack, and I discussed approaching the artist Shepard Fairey to create a portrait of Aung San Suu Kyi, as a campaign poster for the movement. Shepard Fairey was renowned for his legendary, “HOPE” portrait of Barak Obama that had been immortalized across the world over the past year.

As the footwork was underway for our Burma campaign it was April, and a lot had been going on in Southern California. The first African American had been elected President of the United States, financial markets were collapsing with the mortgage lending debacle, and the biggest music festival of the year, Coachella, was blowing up the desert. I had plans to go to Coachella with my girlfriend, Jennifer, and our friends for the weekend. We all looked forward to putting work aside and clear our minds with the music. Little did we know, a series of events would make the dream of Aung San Suu Kyi’s message come alive again, this Summer.

While enjoying a show backstage an old friend, Flea from the Read Hot Chili Peppers, had come over to say hello and encouraged me to stop by and see my old colleague, Perry Farrell. At first I was reluctant to approach Perry because of past emotional grief, but with encouragement from Jennifer and friends, and Suu Kyi’s message burning in the back of my head, I agreed to see him. Although we had resolved our differences, I knew I had to put the awkwardness aside and go to my former best friend who I haven’t spoken with in over 2 years. As we walked over to the other stage, I had no idea who we’d also meet.

Perry came off stage after performing with his wife, Etty, and made his way over through the entourage of people to give me a hug. So there we were, everything that broke us apart in the past had disappeared like a mirage. It was good to see him again, and I realized how much time passed by noticing how tall his boys were now. After reconnecting, Perry turned to me and said, “I have someone I’d like you to meet,” and introduced me to Shepard Fairey. “Aaron,” Perry said, “I have been telling Shepard about the work to free slaves.”

“I want to use my art for freedom,” Shepard said. I could hear the sound of drums in the distance, and a desert wind breezed cool…“Would you paint the Aung San Suu Kyi portrait?” I asked. Shepard and I joked about how hard Brian Sirgutz had been trying to get him to do the portrait. Jack Healey and Brian and been a force to be reckoned with, and now it looked like Shepard was nodding he was going to do it. “We’re only asking for them to let her speak,” I said relaying lines Jack Healey had prepared me with. “Let her speak, and let’s see what she has to say.” Perry smiled confidently and hugged us goodbye.

As if it had been pre-written by the hand of fate, the dream and the campaign for Aung San Suu Kyi’s message of freedom was gaining momentum. Over the next few months, pressure and attention on Burma would build from all sides. The ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) formed its Human Rights body, which currently threatens to expel Burma, and Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton has insisted on Aung San Suu Kyi’s unconditional release. The stage was being set, and I thought to myself,

“We can win this campaign!”

About the Author:
Aaron Cohen has established a modern-day Jubilee movement to forgive debts and free slaves around the world. Human rights activists have lauded his efforts to personally identify and rescue thousands of trafficking victims from places such as the U.S., Israel, Egypt, Iraq, Sudan Ecuador, Columbia, Cambodia and the Junta-ruled Myanmar Burma. Cohen received the 2008 Prize for Humanity from the Immortal Chaplains Foundation, and was recently honored with a U.S. Congressional Certificate of Merit for his public service. For the most up-to-date information on Cohen’s book and anti-slavery initiatives, follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AaronCohen777.

About Abolish Slavery:
Abolish Slavery is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and restoring dignity to victims. It organizes and coordinates investigations and field operations to find, identify, and retrieve men, women, and children from slavery, providing for their safe aftercare and rehabilitation. Abolish Slavery’s coalition work brings together the top professionals in the movement to combat slavery and human trafficking to better advocate for the rights of victims. For more information, visit www.abolishslavery.org.

U.K. Article: Burma Rebels Vow to Stop Using Child Soldiers

Tuesday, July 7 2009

“Burma Rebels Vow to Stop Using Child Soldiers”
Shan insurgents get foreign aid in return for halting use of children in country with highest number of underage conscripts.
Guardian.co.uk
By U.K. Columnist, Mark Tran

One of Burma’s main rebel groups has pledged to stop using child soldiers in return for outside aid in an effort to enhance its international credibility.

Leaders of the Shan State army (SSA), one of several ethnic insurgent groups battling the country’s military junta, have signed a memorandum of understanding with Abolish Slavery and International Operations Centre for Children (IOCC), two western non-governmental organisations, to prevent minors serving in its forces.

Burma has the highest number of child soldiers in the world – about 70,000. A Human Rights Watch report in 2002 found widespread forced recruitment of boys as young as 11. Subsequent reports say the number of child soldiers in Burma is largely unchanged despite international condemnation.

International law prohibits the recruitment of children under 15 and the use of child soldiers has been recognised as a war crime under the statute for the international criminal court.

In Burma, the national army is the biggest culprit. Flouting the country’s own laws that prohibit any recruitment of under 18s, the army apprehends boys at public places such as markets and bus stations, using threats and violence to force them to join. Once trained, children as young as 12 have been sent to fight against ethnic insurgent groups.

Rebel groups also forcibly conscript children. The United Wa State army, the biggest rebel force, has the largest number. The Kachin Independence army is the only armed group to recruit girls. The SSA and the Karen National Liberation army have policies against recruiting children under 18, but do not turn away children who actively seek to join.

Christian Elliott, of the IOCC, who signed the agreement with Lieutenant Colonel Kon Jern, a SSA commander, said the reason behind the insurgents’ anti-child soldiers pledge was international credibility.

“They are looking for brownie points any way they can and in return we will provide them with educational material for teachers and children, including books writing materials, computers and distant education opportunities,” Elliott said.

The Shan area once used to be a major producer of heroin but the rebel groups have made an effort to stamp out production as part of the drive for international respectability.

Elliott, who made the arduous trek into Burma to sign the agreement, said the SSA has between 2,000 and 3,000 soldiers.

The rebel group has also agreed to provide evidence of human rights abuses by the Burmese army in the form of video and photographs. The material is to be displayed on the Abolish Slavery website in support of the SSA’s to help the people of the Shan state, in the east of the country.

Home to several ethnic armed groups, Shan remains largely outside central government control.

Sundance Film Festival

Sundance Film Festival at The Barclay Butera Lounge 2009

The Sundance event, the hosts of this event include our company TBP Entertainment, Barclay Butera Design of Park City, New York City and New Port Beach, Ca. and The Creative Coalition Foundation. The celebrity guest performers, “The Lounge is going to be filled with a plethora of things to do and see, such as the WENN PHOTO STUDIO, get your hair styled by celebrity stylist Eric Sebbag, shop for the best brands at The STORE…a place to shop which will raise funds for charity.  Celebrities such as guest Steven Baldwin, Alec Baldwin, Anne Hathaway, Jeff Daniels, Jim Carrey Mini Driver, Uma Thurman, Emma Roberts, Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, Timothy Hutton, Kevin Bacon, Lenny Kravitz, Chris Rock, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Jill Hennessy, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Pierce Brosnan and more, will be making an appearance…which will be amazing!

OUR SUNDANCE EVENTS AS OF TODAY:

Day 1

• On January 15, 2009 Thursday Daytime Schedule 11am – 5pm – The WENN Photo Studio – At the Barclay Butera Lounge will be filled with exciting personalities from the movie industry coming into the lounge to attend a press junket, be interviewed and be photographed during The Sundance Film Festival movie debut’s.
• THE STORE will feature the best brands for sale, proceeds will benefit the selected charities: The Creative Coalition, SOMALY MAM and The Abolish Slavery Coalition. http://www.abolishslavery.org Come and shop for a good cause.  We’re sure Paris Hilton will be there shopping!
• Evening Event – WANT TO BE ME movie party with the cast Shalim Ortiz, Lacey Chabert, Jackie Watson and Michael Lohan attending.
• 8-11 pm

Day 2

• On January 16, 2008 Friday – Daytime Schedule 11am – 5pm The WENN Photo Studio – Barclay Butera Lounge will be filled with exciting personalities from the movie industry coming into the lounge to attend a press junket, be interviewed and be photographed during The Sundance Film Festival movie debut’s.
• THE STORE will feature the best brands for sale, proceeds will benefit the selected charities: The Creative Coalition, SOMALY MAM and The Abolish Slavery Coalition. http://www.abolishslavery.org Come and shop for a good cause!
• Evening Event: A fantastic MOVIE PREMIERE PARTY hosted by The Creative Coalition and sponsored by Western Interior Design Magazine this event will bring out the stars.
• Brooklyn’s Finest – Don Cheadle, Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, Ellen Barkin, Lilli Taylor, Jesse Williams
• 9 pm – 1 am

Day 3

• January 17, 2009 Saturday Daytime Schedule 11am – 5pm – The WENN Photo Studio – Barclay Butera Lounge will be filled with exciting personalities from the movie industry coming into the lounge to attend a press junket, be interviewed and be photographed during The Sundance Film Festival movie debut’s.
• THE STORE will feature the best brands for sale, proceeds will benefit the selected charities: The Creative Coalition, SOMALY MAM and The Abolish Slavery Coalition. http://www.abolishslavery.org Come and shop for a good cause.
• The Creative Coalition Luncheon 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.  January 17, The Creative Coalition will demonstrate why they have the best Hollywood A-list on their board and members, when they again present The Creative Coalition Panel Luncheon – sponsored by Western Interior Design Magazine.
• To Follow: French Cocktail Reception – 3:00 pm -5:30 pm
• Immediately following the Meredith Brokaw book signing, French Heritage would like to auction off one of two proposed storage units – ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO FUND THE “House to Home” Charity.
• ED HARDY SHOES HOST, 6pm – 8pm – A VIP cocktail party with Ed Hardy Shoes models passing drinks and telling us why “these Ed Hardy Boots were made for walking.”
• FOLLOWED BY From 9pm – 1pm. The Creative Coalition and Ed Hardy Shoes hosts, The Movie Premiere Event for the film LYMELIFE– Guest include, Emma Roberts, Tim Hutton, Rory Caulkin, Kieran Caulkin, Jill Hennessy and Alec Baldwin TBA and other members of Hollywood’s elite attending Sundance.

Day 4

• On January 18, 2009 Sunday Daytime Schedule 11am – 5pm – The WENN Photo Studio – Barclay Butera Lounge will be filled with exciting personalities from the movie industry coming into the lounge to attend a press junket, be interviewed and be photographed during The Sundance Film Festival movie debut’s.
• THE STORE will feature the best brands for sale, proceeds will benefit the selected charities: The Creative Coalition, SOMALY MAM and The Abolish Slavery Coalition. http://www.abolishslavery.org Come and shop for a good cause.
• On Sunday January 18, 2009 – 6pm – 9pm The Movie Premiere Party THE COVE – Hosted by NBC
• Sunday Evening – 9:30pm – the game ends…
• THE CELEBRITY CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT – TBP Entertainment, The Creative Coalition, Royalfelt.com and HitMe Shots will host a Celebrity Poker Tournament to benefit a group of worthy foundations along with The Creative Coalition.
• Players:
  • Jerry Yang – 2007 World Series Poker Champion
  • Billy Wirth
  • Steven Baldwin
  • Alec Baldwin
  • Joe Francis
  • Emma Roberts
  • Tim Hutton
  • Rory Caulkin
  • Kieran Caulkin
  • Jill Hennessy
• Celebrities listed below are Invited – To be confirmed
  • Ben Affleck
  • Tim Robbins
  • Matt Damon
  • Kevin Dillon
  • Pierce Brosnan
  • Kevin Bacon
• After the Ray Ban Visionary Awards (7pm-9pm)
• The generous donors and sponsors are listed on our website, which includes Joe Francis of Girls Gone Wild and Mantra Films, and free swag all night long. Other sponsors include Frank Muller Watches, THE SHORE CLUB, a MORGANS HOTEL GROUP, Ed Hardy Shoes, VAVA Water, Vivienne Westwood designer of the wedding dress in the movie, SEX IN THE CITY, royalfelt.com, HitMe shots, The Creative Coalition.
• Doors open at The Barclay Butera Design Lounge -255 Heber (corner of Heber St. and Swede Alley in Park City, Ut. at 9:30pm – 1:00am.
  A percent of the proceeds will go to the foundation

Day 5

• On January 19, 2009 Monday Daytime Schedule 11am – 5pm – The WENN Photo Studio – Barclay Butera Lounge will be filled with exciting personalities from the movie industry coming into the lounge to attend a press junket, be interviewed and be photographed during The Sundance Film Festival movie debut’s.
• THE STORE will feature the best brands for sale, proceeds will benefit the selected charities: The Creative Coalition, SOMALY MAM and The Abolish Slavery Coalition. http://www.abolishslavery.org Come and shop for a good cause.
• Evening Movie Premiere Party – Evening Movie Premiere Party –8 pm – 11pm – SOLDIERS OF PEACE –narrator of the film, Michael Douglas. Film by One Tree Film Co.

Day 6

• On January 20, 2009 Tuesday Daytime Schedule 11am – 5pm – The WENN Photo Studio – Barclay Butera Lounge will be filled with exciting personalities from the movie industry coming into the lounge to attend a press junket, be interviewed and be photographed during The Sundance Film Festival movie debut’s.

Day 7

• On January 21, 2009 Wednesday Daytime Schedule 11am – 5pm – The WENN Photo Studio – Barclay Butera Lounge will be filled with exciting personalities from the movie industry coming into the lounge to attend a press junket, be interviewed and be photographed during.
• THE STORE will feature the best brands for sale, proceeds will benefit the selected charities: The Creative Coalition, SOMALY MAM and The Abolish Slavery Coalition. http://www.abolishslavery.org Come and shop for a good cause.
• The Sundance Film Festival movie debuts.
• NYC Film Commission Party- Governors Office
• 9 pm – 1 am

Happy Holidays,

Charity information:

Charity fundraisers to Abolish Slavery. The Somaly Mam Foundation and The Abolish Slavery Coalition. http://www.abolishslavery.org The foundations provide help to Abolish Slavery and are dedicated to combating human trafficking and restoring dignity to victims. They organize and coordinate investigations and field operations to find, identify, and retrieve children from slavery providing for their safe aftercare and rehabilitation. Working with organizations, Celebrities and Corporations like Kitchen Aid, Ed Hardy, Prada, Lexis Nexis, Tiffany, FINAL DRAFT, RoyalFelt.com and The United Nations the foundation is working hard to make sure to stop this horrific crime.
The Creative Coalition Foundation  http://thecreativecoalition.org

The Creative Coalition (TCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity organized by the creative community to learn about pressing issues so they can better inform and influence the community and nation.

Slavery Exists? Exposing Human Trafficking

Young Girl Sold into Human Trafficking.

Dressed in the traditional clothes of the Mountain Tribes of Burma, this young girl is at risk for being sold into human trafficking.

A young Burmease refugee at the vocational tranining program in Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Slaves Reunited in Sudan

This slave boy was purchased and redeemed for $50 dollars.

This young man was forced to be a child soldier in Darfur, Sudan. His Arab father was his master, his mother a dinka sex slave.

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