Some charity compilations get a lot of attention, and some don't. I actually keep up on this stuff, and still, I nearly missed
Raise Hope For Congo. According to the organization's
website, "Our insatiable demand for electronic products is fueling the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the deadliest conflict since World War II and the most dangerous place in the world for women and girls. There are few other conflicts in the world where the link between our consumer appetites and mass human suffering is so direct. The armed groups perpetuating the violence generate an estimated $183 million each year by trading in illicit minerals, which end up in our electronics, from cell phones to laptops. Since women are the primary targets in this war, proceeds from this compilation will fund efforts to make the protection and empowerment of Congo’s women a priority, as well as inspire individuals around the world to raise their voice for peace in Congo." I knew about conflict diamonds, but not conflict electronics. I hope to learn more about this, so it will inform my choices as a consumer, and I hope you look into it too.
As for the album, it comes out June 22. I downloaded two songs: a
Norah Jones called "World Of Trouble," that was originally on the soundtrack to a film I never heard of, 2007's
The Hottest State. The other was
MeShell NdegeOcello's cover of
U2's "40," which is lovely. There are also tracks from
Sheryl Crow and
Mos Def on the album.
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