Ukweli Means Truth:	Listen
During our recent trip to Kenya we visited Ukweli Video, a production house launched in 1981 by Maryknoll priest, Richard Quinn. Ukweli is the Swahili word for truth and Quinn organized Ukweli Video to create productions about issues that rarely get covered. This business has become an international success employing 19 people, some of whom are the children of the original staff. The group functions much like a family and comes together for lunch and dinner every day. With 2 long tables pushed together, the scene reminded the American visitors, "Voices" producers Elinoar Astrinsky and Kathy Golden of Thanksgiving. After talking with Dick Quinn, Kathy discusses For Love of Neighbor with Ukweli producer, Sister Agnes Lucy Lando. This video documents the bulldozing of thousands of slum dwellings by the Kenyan government in February 2004.
Truth to Power:	Listen
Most of the videos produced by Ukweli center on bringing various social justice issues to the attention of fellow Kenyans and the world at large. Sr. Lando's video was part of the organized opposition from various church groups. It was able to force the government to at least stop the slum demolitions long enough to find alternative housing for the poor communities losing their homes and businesses. Kathy also speaks with Ukweli cameraman, Robinson Malemo about the video he is currently editing, spotlighting the difficulties of handicapped Kenyans and the lack of government assistance. The video's working title is Disability is Not Inability.

This Week's Question:
Chances are, family is one of the things you're grateful for. Tell us about your family and your Thanksgiving.

Contact Us

Resources:
Fr. Richard Quinn, MM
Ukweli Video
Maryknoll in Africa

Music: Courtesy of Rough Guides Music
Manu Dibango: Ngolowake, Baobab Sunset, Camp Yabassi Echoes, Negropolitaines, Miango Ma Tumba, on the Rough Guide Music CD
Busi Mhlongo sings Yehlisan'umoya Ma-Afrika on the Rough Guide World Roots CD