Luol Deng

Chicago Bulls star and Darfur Dream Team member Luol Deng, a Sudan native, took the stage with Enough’s John Prendergast at a reception in Chicago benefiting the Darfur Dream Team Sister Schools Program. Enough and the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center co-hosted the event, “Education for A Generation,” which featured an art auction and presentations by influential political figures and activists.

In his speech, Deng reflected on his commitment to assisting the people of Sudan and his influential role as an athlete. Rick Hirschhaut, executive director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, appealed to the audience to act by noting that “we are anchored in history, but rooted in the future.” Jim Rose, sports anchor for Chicago’s ABC 7 News, moderated the event, and Lonnie Nasatir, regional director for the Upper Midwest Region of the Anti-Defamation League, also spoke. 

Approximately 1.8 million children have been affected by the conflict in Darfur. Children represent 60 percent of the population in Darfuri refugee camps. “These children are no different than the children here in the U.S. They dream of a better future filled with opportunity,” Prendergast said.