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Steve Simon
Excellence in Media Award
Category | Photojournalism
The China AIDS Media Project
This is a great honor and I’m humbled to accept this award in a room with many people I consider to be Heroines and Heroes, those here, working to fight disease and poverty in places where help is really needed.
When I first went to Africa in 2002, I knew right away that I wanted to add one more voice, my voice, to the fight against AIDS. So when opportunities arose, I embraced them, visiting Africa on three more occasions, accompanying groups from PhotoSensitive, a Canadian group of concerned photographers; Care, Save The Children and World Vision.
Though I have only visited five countries thus far in sub-Saharan Africa, I didn’t want to generalize about a continent with some 900 million people, living in 54 countries with rich and diverse cultures, speaking more than 2000 languages.
With Heroines and Heroes, I also didn’t want to ignore the harsh reality of what the scourge of AIDS has done to the continent; but show the beauty of the places I had been and reveal some positive steps being taken.
I have had much help with this project. From the book’s publisher Giuseppe Liverani of Charta, to friends and family, who supported and encouraged me. My girlfriend Tanja insisted there be a “Call to Action Section” at the back of the book, so those inspired could be directed to the right places to help out. The royalties from the book are going to organizations in the Call to Action section.
I would like to express my gratitude:
- To the relentless voice of Stephen Lewis for his inspiration
- Dr. James Orbinski, who taught me that doing the right thing is never a mistake, as hard as it sometimes is
- The many Peace Corps volunteers, who in my opinion, are the greatest ambassadors for America; specifically Jean Margaritius and Chuck Kuehn who were my guides
- Director Patrick Reed and the crew from White Pine Pictures who twice brought me to Africa
I have dedicated this book to The Grandmothers, the glue holding the continent of Africa together. Having buried their own children, they now go on to raise their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I am excited that my next book project, The Grandmother Spirit, has been accepted by www.blueearth.org, a non-profit organization, which gives charitable status to this project.
I want to shine the spotlight, with their permission, on these remarkable women quietly persevering in the most difficult of circumstances. I’m hoping to find support to make this project a reality for next year; so any leads you might have would be greatly appreciated.
Lastly, I wish to thank all the Heroines and Heroes I met who allowed me into their lives, often at the most difficult of times. Many have since died. They believed that participating in this project could somehow help, and I never took that privilege and responsibility lightly.
Thank-you for this wonderful recognition.
view Steve's website
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