Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Headlines

Prof. Joseph Harchanko shot this photo of the Holomodor Memorial in Kiev, Ukraine last summer.

On Feb. 24, muscians will use their talents in an effort to support starving people through a musical performance. The concert will be held in Western's Smith Hall Auditorium at 3 p.m. Featured musicians will include the Western Sequoia Trio, Western Routes piano trio, tenor vocalist Kevin Helppie and cellist and Western music professor Joseph Harchanko.

The music will include selections of both classical and progressive bluegrass songs, including a song written by Professor Harchanko himself. Also performing will be professors Henry Hughes and Donna Henderson, each reading a selection of poetry.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the "Holomodor," genocide by starvation that took place in Ukraine during the winter of 1932-1933 which resulted in the death of 7-10 million people. Harchanko traveled to Ukraine last summer to see the city where his grandparents were born. During the visit, he says, it was evident that people of Ukraine still feel the affects of the Holomodor. In remembrance of that horrific event, Harchanko organized the concert as a fundraiser for those in Darfur, Sudan currently suffering under similar conditions of starvation and famine.

The starvation was caused by a massive drought and the harsh policies enacted by Joseph Stalin of the USSR. The policies confiscated the lands of the peasants and forced them work on collective farms. The peasants were forced to surrender nearly half of their crop yield to the state.

Sudan has experienced similar problems with drought and famine for decades. In 2003, two organizations, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA), accused the Sudanese government of oppressing non-Arab citizens. They also claimed the government was neglecting to provide aid to the Darfur area, which is populated predominately by people of African-descent. In response, government troops in coalition with the Janjaweed (a hired militia), began attacking the Darfur area. The Janjaweed were completely unregulated, and murdered and raped many Darfuris. The death toll has been estimated at close to 400,000. Thousands more have been forced to move to refugee camps or flee the country. In 2006, the SLA formed a peace agreement with the Sudanese government, although the Janjaweed still terrorize the area. The massive destruction of Darfur, along with the growing famine and desertification of the area has left hundreds of thousands starving and in need of clean water. •

All proceeds from the concert will go to Oxfam America, an organization that provides vital support to Sudan in the form of food, clean water and rebuilding efforts. Donations will be accepted. Visit www.oxfamamerica.org for more information.

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