In Support if the We Are Not Afraid Campaign
“We applaud the efforts of the hundreds of public figures who have invested their time and talent to provide critical aid to help refugees and raise awareness about their plight. When too many politicians are trading in fear it is heartening to see people of renown and credibility standing up for hope.”
David Miliband, President and CEO of the IRC
“We’re alarmed by the hateful and dangerous rhetoric coming from politicians across Europe and the United States. We must not allow the rising threat of racism and hate to violate our most basic principles of humanity. We’re moved and grateful that so many artists are speaking out and standing with us for human rights.”
Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch
“My grandfather came to the U.S. from Italy escaping the war when he was just a kid. He built a life here and contributed much to this country. I am not afraid to continue America’s tradition of opening our borders to those seeking a better life for their families. In Lesbos I heard of the horrors that forced these refugees to leave all behind, their job, relatives, home and history, to make their way to a place they hoped would give them safety and a new beginning. They all wanted to contribute. They had the same simple dreams for their children. I am not afraid of their dreams.”
Susan Sarandon
“I wanted to be a part of this very important and worthwhile cause. When I watch the news and see people from these places being displaced by hatred and ignorance, I know that these people are just like you and me. All they want is to live in peace and have their children grow up loved, fed and educated. That seems a million miles away for many people at the moment. They are living in refugee camps, in conditions that are far below sustenance levels.
When I heard that some of my friends were rallying to help raise funds and awareness, to help address the basic needs of food, shelter and medical care, I wanted to help in whatever way I could.
I hope that my voice, along with my friends, helps bend the arc of the universe a little more toward the loving and helps with the work of getting the basic essentials of life to those who are without.”
Robert Plant
“We are a nation of immigrants, MOST of whom were refugees from one human tragedy or another. The very idea of closing our hearts and our borders out of fear of newcomers is the death of the American Dream itself.”
Steve Earle
“There is no excuse for violence. Together we need to stand up and challenge those who prey on our fears.”
Albert Hammond, Jr.
“Irrational hatred is a cancer of humanity’s own design,” Godley added. “To succumb would mean the failure of our species.”
Kevin Godley, Director
“The idea for We Are Not Afraid resulted from the increasing senseless violence experienced by citizens of the world and a desire to try and make a difference by bringing awareness to the issues and the organizations dedicated to helping the victims. At countless rallies around the world people can be spotted holding NOT AFRAID signs. These images inspired this effort.
It is imperative that we show the perpetrators of these horrific acts that are intended to shake us to our very core that we will not be afraid, we will not be intimidated and we won’t allow these despicable acts to change the way we live our lives and our demand for a free and open global community.
We are extremely pleased that a remarkable group of highly respected and passionate artists has come together to show their support for this cause by posing for photos holding NOT AFRAID signs. It grows larger every day.
In this scary time of aggression toward anyone who does not submit to how certain groups believe others must live their lives or be slaughtered, we must make a stand that that will not be tolerated.”
Steve Weitzman, Founder “We Are Not Afraid Campaign”