Bread for the World Ad Urges African-Americans to Support Policies for Ending Hunger and Poverty in Africa

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bread for the World Institute released a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) that encourages African Americans to support programs that help African nations lead more prosperous, stable, and healthy lives.

"We need courageous African-American leaders to advocate for and shape U.S. poverty-focused foreign assistance that will effectively reduce hunger and poverty in Africa," said Rev. Derrick Boykin, associate for African-American leadership outreach at Bread for the World. "We know that when poor people are given the opportunity to improve the lives of their families and communities they eagerly embrace the challenge."

To support mutually beneficial partnerships for the United States and Africa, Bread for the World formed "African-American Voices for Africa," a network of leaders calling for the empowerment of African people through policies that eradicate hunger, poverty, and disease.

"The PSA will help communicate this important message to African-Americans around the country," added Boykin. "We are excited about this opportunity and hope the effort will result in the African-American community learning more about the continent, the power of advocacy, and the need for strong African-American leadership on this issue."

When viewers watch the PSA they will see images of a thriving Africa but will also be reminded that dire poverty still exists in many nations.  "Africa, a land of many voices, cultures, and opportunities … people who are innovative and optimistic," says the narrator of the PSA, "and yet hunger persists in many African countries. It's a problem we can solve."

Less than one percent of the U.S. federal budget goes toward poverty-focused development assistance (PFDA) programs. However, these programs save more than 1 million lives annually, promoting sustainability, and self-sufficiency.  PFDA is foreign assistance that directly benefits the lives of hungry and poor people.

"Federal budget cuts to anti-hunger and anti-poverty programs would have devastating impacts on vulnerable people around the world," said Rev. Boykin.  "We must ensure that Congress creates a circle of protection around programs that save millions of African lives by providing them with the necessary tools to help lift themselves out of poverty."

To watch or download the PSA and learn more about "African-American Voices for Africa" visit http://www.bread.org/hunger/global/voices-for-africa/.

SOURCE Bread for the World