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Musician fights for justice for Africans with albinism
Many Africans born with albinism suffer incredible injustice. Malian musician Salif Keita fights to change this.
Albinism in Africa: white Skin, black Blood
About one in 13,000 babies in the world are born with albinism. In Africa, the ratio is as high as 1 in 1,000 babies. Unfortunately, albinos in many African nations are simply killed due to superstition and ignorance about the skin condition that is caused by a complete lack of pigmentation, or more simply said, they die "because they are black people who have white skin" said Mr. Keita,"whether it’s due to discrimination or the hot sun, they are in perpetual danger."
The “Golden Voice of Africa”, Salif Keita was born with albinism
Salif Keita, from Mali, is one of the most influential musicians on the African continent. Known as the “Golden Voice of Africa”, Mr. Keita was born with albinism. In 2005, he founded the Salif Keita Global Foundation to raise awareness of the condition. His award-winning album La Différence was dedicated to ending violations of the rights of persons with albinism across the world.
The condition is often misinterpreted as an ill omen in his native Mali, making Keita an outcast in his own community. Society, including public schools in Mali, perpetuates harmful beliefs about people with albinism who are often shunned, ridiculed, and even killed for ritual practices.
WHAT IS ALBINISM?
al·bi·nism: Albinism is a defect of melanin production that results in little or no colour (pigment) in the skin, hair, and eyes in varying degrees. It is often a major contributing factor to skin cancer in all races.
![Since 2001, this charity has tirelessly worked to erase the stigma attached to people with albinism in Africa, and provide care and assistance to those in need of refuge and medical attention, including protection from the sun. Keita knows its dangers first hand, having lost his sister to skin cancer in the 1990s. In recent years, Keita has donated proceeds from record sales and tours to purchase sunscreen for Africans in need, and build a school and health clinic in Bamako.](https://www.brightvibes.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/phpxdZkzN.jpg)
Albino: A Living Being In Need Of Safety
The US-based non-profit organisation brings media attention to the global plight of people with albinism, has advocacy for their rights and social integration, and raises funds to provide them with free healthcare and educational services in the US, Africa and around the world. The organization is headed by Mr. Keita’s Malian-American wife, journalist and activist, Coumba Makalou Keita. Mrs.Keita believes that albinism is "a truly beautiful trait that the entire world needs to celebrate with love and acceptance."
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