Congresswoman Donna Edwards, the freshman Democrat representing Maryland’s 4th District, has quickly emerged as rising star in Congress. Recently profiled as one of Politico.com’s 50 Politicos to watch, Edwards fast became a loud voice working on human rights issues in the House of Representatives.
For the past ten Fridays, Congresswoman Edwards has fasted in solidarity with the people of Darfur. In a recent statement she urged colleagues and constituents to join her in participating in the Darfur Fast for Life:
“’Today marks the tenth Friday I have fasted in solidarity with the people of Darfur, while they have endured suffering and violence for far too many years,’ said Rep. Edwards. ‘We must continue to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis taking place in Darfur, and I hope by joining others here in Congress and around the world, we will be successful in bringing further focus to Darfur. I thank President Obama for returning the world’s attention during his trip to Ghana to highlight abuses taking place in Darfur, and for calling the situation what it is – genocide. I urge individuals in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District, and across the country, to join me in our Friday Fasting in solidarity with the people of Darfur. ‘”
Activists and policymakers from 34 different countries have participated in the Darfur Fast For Life since it was launched by actress and activist Mia Farrow in March. Participants fast or subsist on meager refugee rations “as a personal expression of outrage at a world that has allowed the suffering of millions of innocent people.”