Trip of a Life Time essay available.

I published a personal essay, "A Trip of a Life Time Doesn't Need to Come to an End," in the NDSU Magazine. The hard copy has many great pictures, not just the one at the top of the page.

Here are the first two paragraphs:

When I told friends and family members I was going to southern Sudan as part of a documentary film crew and humanitarian aid project, many asked me in different ways, "Do you think this trip will change your life?" I always answered with confidence, "no." I was just hoping to survive the trip without getting sick, shot at, killed in a plane crash, or stranded in a remote Sudanese village. I was pretty sure the trip would be memorable, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but not life changing.

Of course I was wrong.

A little press coverage for the premiere of ASAH

The premiere of our documentary, African Soul, American Heart, got some nice press attention from the Fargo Forum and it got television coverage from all the local stations, although I have only been able to find one story online so far.

WDAY: They call their story: Donations sent to Sudan.

African Soul, American Heart Premiered!

I should have been much more active blogging the lead up to our documentary film premiere, but I can at least report on a very successful day. We had over 300 people attend 2 showings; we had great questions from our audience, and lots of interest in our project.

More photos on Flickr. More news to follow.

60 Minutes story on Mozambique

60 Minutes ran a story about the redevelopment of a national park in Mozambique, as well as village development in the area, all funded by an American entrepreneur. Great story!


Watch CBS Videos Online

Jef's full journal of Sudan Trip

Jef Foss, ASAH Architect, has written up his experiences in Africa, from Kampala to Duk Payuel and back again. Great mix of narrative and photos; thanks Jef!

Documentaries from Sudan

The return of Sudanese refugees since 2005 has resulted in many documentaries, some released, some in progress. This one, called "Long Walk Home," seems to follow three Lost Boys as they return home and rebuild schools through the New Sudan Education Initiative.

Joseph's speaking schedule

Joseph Akol Makeer is available to speak to schools, church groups, service groups, house parties and really anybody who will listen to his story. Please contact me, Kevin Brooks (speaking@africansoulamericanheart.org) if you'd like to arrange for Joseph to speak to your group.

Upcoming Presentations



Friday Nov. 14, Carl Ben Eilson Middle School, Fargo.
Two screenings of ASAH, 9:00 a.m and 10:30 am.

Tuesday Jan. 20, 2009
O'Kelly's on Main, Fargo. 12:00 noon.

Monday Feb. 2nd, 2009.
Fargo Rotary Club West, noon. Holiday Inn, Fargo.

Sunday February 8, 2009.
Communiversity, Fargo ND. Location TBA.


Past presentations.

Wednesday Nov. 12
2 pm, Waterford Homes, Fargo.

Sunday Nov.9
Premiere of African Soul, American Heart, Fargo Theatre, Fargo.
Screenings at 1 pm and 7 pm.

Thursday Nov. 6, Fargo Rotary Club, Seasons Restaurant, Rose Creek.

Thursday Oct. 23, 2008.
The Refugee Experience, NDSU.
Powerful "simulation" as students got a small sense of the lives Joseph and other refugees have lived.

Tuesday Oct. 21.
9 and 10 am, Carl Ben Junior High, Fargo. Two six grade classes.
Great reception; Joseph's second presentation at Carl Ben--he will become a regular presenter there!