Ever since Invisible Children Inc., a nonprofit advocacy organization, released "Kony 2012," the short film has invaded the social justice sphere, flooding Facebook newsfeeds and creating more awareness around Joseph Kony, guerrilla terrorist and head of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). On April 4, Invisible Children released an extension to the first 30-minute film titled "Kony 2012: Part II - Beyond Fame." Regional representatives and full-time volunteers of Invisible Children released the video to Longwood University on April 6 at 7 p.m. in Jarman Auditorium. The event featured the film as well as a question and answer session with Odong Kizito, a man who spent his childhood in Northern Uganda and a mentor in the legacy scholarship program of Invisible Children.
The newly released Kony 2012 film differs from the first in that it focuses on what kinds of effects the first film had on the role of Invisible Children, how one can get involved with Invisible Children's cause and also on Cover the Night, an event happening on April 20.
Emily Burchett, a full-time volunteer and roadie with Invisible Children, began her tour with Invisible Children after she graduated high school.
Burchett said the goal of Invisible Children after releasing "Kony 2012" was to see 500,000 people view the video by Dec. 1. She noted that the video totaled to over a million views within the first two days. When she traveled to Uganda, Burchett said, "I was fortunate enough to go after Kony had left Uganda, so I got to see kind of the hope that was there and the process of becoming a peaceful country again. So, I got to see the beauty of what happens when people come together as a community and rebuild the area." "I did see the devastation that he had left in people, but I got to see the hope that was restored after he left," said Burchett.
"We're creating more awareness and continuing to have people fight for justice," said Burchett, later stating, "The world is finally caring. I've been a part of Invisible Children since 2008, and it's never been this big before."
During the night of the film premiere at Longwood, Invisible Children merchandise was sold, including T-shirts, bracelets, DVDs, bags and more. Burchett assured that 80 percent of the proceeds raised from the sales went to programs such as rehabilitation centers in Africa or film screenings of the "Kony 2012" videos. Of that 80 percent, 37 percent contributed goes to the war-affected areas of Africa. Dyanna Jaye, another full-time volunteer and roadie at Invisible Children, attended the film screening on her first tour with Invisible Children. She noted her personal interest in becoming a part of the organization, mentioning her own personal involvement through lobbying in high school and the sense that "this could be the year that this ends" after President Barack Obama sent troops to central Africa in October 2011.
"It's so cool to see the world talking about an issue of social justice. What's usually trending on Twitter is the next iPhone or your celebrity gossip," said Jaye. "And Kony 2012 [is] kind of taking that storm and there's so much momentum in the air of social justice from Occupy Wall Street to protests all around the world and now Kony 2012 all using social media as a tool for social justice." "Although, Kony hasn't been caught yet and we haven't seen that end goal met yet, though I definitely think it's coming. I think that in general [that] is a huge win to make that kind of the norm now," say Jaye. "People want to get involved in social justice. It's kind of what keeps me going." Kizito spoke of his experiences growing up in Northern Uganda, saying, "As kids of Northern Uganda, we thought this was our own problem." He later added, "We realized it wasn't something we could end on our own ... I realized it wasn't an individual effort."
Growing up, Kizito described that the abductions of children by Kony were achieved very easily. Security at home was not a privilege Kizito had, having to leave his home at night to sleep elsewhere in case Kony attempted to abduct him. "We were always forced to leave our houses," he said, also noting how even going to school was difficult at the prospect of Kony attacking any moment. "As I speak now, there is peace in Northern Uganda," said Kizito, later adding that even so, "We hope to see this long conflict come to a final end." Burchett and Jaye suggested students stay in contact with their local government representatives and stay vocal. "I didn't think I could contact my local representative, but I'm not scared to do that anymore. I email them, call them almost every day," said Burchett. To view "Kony 2012: Part II - Beyond Fame" and see how you too can contribute to the fight against Kony, go online to the Kony 2012 website.
The donation bin at the film screening was also adorned with Kony 2012 stickers and colorful beads.
CoverageLancers4Africa and the Invisible Children Mid-Atlantic Roadies in front of the Invisible Children Van.
Odong Kizito taking a moment to smile at the camera at the Kony 2012 event in Jarman Auditorium.
