Broadway and screen star Lillias White (right), jazz legend Randy Weston - these were just two of the artists who performed gratis in The "Power of One" Jazz/Gospel Benefit Concert for Darfur Refugees, held on Saturday, May 5th at Medgar Evers College. Radio personalities Ann Tripp  (below left) of WBLS and Basir Mchawi of WBAI emceed the fundraiser, which was co-sponsored by the National Religious Leaders of African Ancestry Concerned about Darfur (NRLAACAD) and the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium.

The event began with a processional led by the SUN Family Festival Drummers and a libations ceremony carried out by Sister Nut and Brother TaTa-F and Family. Rev. C. Herbert Oliver delivered the invocation, and Amir Al Islam offered words of welcome from the office of the Medger Evers College President. Al Islam said that it's a mystery to him why the whole country isn't up in arms about the atrocities being committed in Darfur, and he thanked the Rev. Herbert Daughtry, founder and chairman of NRLAACAD, for his work on the issue.

This sentiment was echoed by State Assemblyman Karim Camara who declared, "You have people who are interested in the issue of Darfur - and you have people who are committed to it. Rev. Daughtry (third on right in photo below) is committed." In appreciation, he presented the reverend with a proclamation.

In turn, Daughtry, stated, "On behalf of the Darfurian people, our organization, and all people of concern, I wish to express profound gratitude to the artists who have given their time and talent to this benefit for the Darfurian refugees. It will inspire other artists to do likewise and inspire those who have been activists on this crisis to do even more."

Daughtry noted that the proceeds from the event will benefit the relief effort for the nearly four million Darfurians who are suffering in refugee camps in Chad. His organization hopes to deliver its first relief shipment next month.

The fundraiser also premiered the screening of excerpts from a short film about Rev. Daughtry's recent visit to the Gaga refugee camp in Chad, introduced by Darfurian YahYa Osman. Council Member Charles Barron added his remarks, stating that, "Africa has suffered enough. The world sat by and watched AIDS take over Africa, sat by and watched Rwanda, and we cannot let Darfur go down the same way."

Interspersed with the serious message of the evening were fabulous performances, during which people were asked to simply sit back and enjoy. After Neighborhood Watch Comedy Troupe with Dave Lester warmed up the crowd, the great jazz saxophonist Jeff King (right) and his band took the stage. They were followed by actor/playwright/musician Rome Neal, who included a short but expressive dance with his vocals, the classically trained Lawrence Craig, Jr (above right) ., and Steve Cromity, who brought a nice swing to his jazz. These performances were rounded out by the spectacular Bishop Nathaniel Townsley and The Gospel Jubilee, who had everyone on their feet stomping and clapping and really getting into the spirit that truly befitted such an occasion.