Buffalo Dancing & Global Activism

I read in the paper about some kind of Global Activism Expo

expo that was taking place tonight. Not wanting to take on any other projects or responsibilities, I almost didn't go, but something was drawing me towards the event.

It turned out to be a man named Amos. Amos Kipeen.

I entered the large gymnasium and saw a crowd gathered in a large circle around 4 or 5 colorfully-dressed people. They were performing -- chanting and dancing and jumping and shaking their various obscure ornaments, piercings and necklaces. One of them...I couldn't tell which...was making very loud shrill "whoooop"s and "ayyye"s. The two men were barefoot.

One was so tall and skinny.

But I loved watching them, especially when they began pulling strangers out of the crowd and just bringing them along for the ride. The strangers got into it, too, shaking dutifully to the chants.

I approached their table after their performance. They are the Maasai Buffalo Dance Cultural Change Group. They sing and dance in order to raise awareness and money, the latter of which is all donated to Matanya's Hope, an NPO that enables Kenyan children to go to high school. Most families there can't afford high school tuition, so education is pretty much a pointless dead-end joke, terminating after 8th grade and sending "graduates" right back to their homes to continue raising crops (but this time they know how to spell).

I went straight to the tall and skinny guy. He introduced himself as Amos, and then he and I talked for a good 15-20 minutes. I want to help him and his cause. He is only two years older than I. He has learned English fluently despite seemingly all odds against it. He is committed, and he wants a Law degree. Interesting...given that my dad is a law professor.

It got me thinking -- my Jewish parents always wanted at least one son who was a lawyer or a doctor. Maybe they can adopt Amos and send him to law school for free as my dad's son. How cool would that be?

And then they'll have their son with the law degree! Haha, think of how many Jewish parents are out there, longing to put someone through law school or medical school. And think of how many other bright young people are out there who would do anything to be put through law school or medical school. Somebody call the match-maker; let's launch the JPPTWPDSP (Jewish Parental Pride Third-World Professional Degree Sponsorship Program).

In the meantime, I've read up on all of the Matanya's Hope pamphlets and brochures, and I took Amos' business card. I think I'll send him an e-mail before he heads back to Kenya.