www.Namaya Productions.com
Namaya Poet and Artist
Art- Word- Performance and community engagement
https://www.facebook.com/donotforgetme.ao/
PRESS RELEASE: June 2021
b4peace@namayaproductions.com
June 2021
AGENT ORANGE: DO NOT FORGET ME & Yes, I can
A peacebuilding project to raise awareness of the impact of Agent Orange in Vietnam
Agent Orange: Do Not Forget Me is a B4 Peace project by the artist Namaya and the B4 Peace team. The project’s goal is to increase knowledge and action regarding the ongoing environmental and cost of US military’s chemical defoliant Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Project updates are on https://namayaproductions.com/project/vietnam-journey-to-forgiveness/.
The Agent Orange chemical warfare program left enormous environmental damage and caused significant health problems for Vietnamese, Laotians, Cambodians, and US military Veterans. Presently, over 2 million individuals are suffering from Agent Orange Syndrome in Vietnam and the USA. While many American veterans receive compensation from the US government for AO syndrome, the Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian victims do not receive compensation. To learn more about the continued devastation and harm caused by Agent Orange (AO), please watch this video: https://youtu.be/Mizi0f3hyzY
The AO educational video by Namaya was presented at the Veterans for Peace National Conference in August 2020. Zoom and public presentations on Agent Orange will be offered in 2021.
Namaya said, “This project is part of our projects on the impact of war and militarism in society. In particular, with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam war, I had undertaken a two-month art/ writing residency called “Journey to Forgiveness in Vietnam” We will return to Vietnam in 2021 or 2022 to continue this project.”
A sculpture created by Namaya will be installed at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2021 or 2022 once the Covid has passed. The sculpture uses (simulated) orange barrels with portraits of those affected conveys the devastating and lingering effects of the Vietnam War. The names of the corporations responsible Monsanto, DuPont, etc., are emblazoned on the barrels. Namaya and the B4 Peace team will partner with the War Remnants Museum in Vietnam, and volunteers, and local artists in Vietnam to implement the project. Plans are underway to display the sculpture in the US and virtually.
Do Not Forget Me: Yes I can: The art and parallel social advocacy campaign are designed to raise awareness of the extent of the damage and inspire critical thinking, dialogue, and concrete action addressing the social impact of the chemical warfare program. In sharing the lingering effects of Agent Orange with the US and international public, we hope to promote peace and advocate for continued support for victims. An integral part of the project is “Yes I can/ Yes we can” to highlight individuals’ courageous work with AOS, their families, and organizations. This play will be c0created with the Vietnamese performance artist Nemo.
Endorsements & Collaborations
The project has been endorsed by Veterans for Peace and is collaborating with other advocacy groups in the US, Vietnam, and around the world to raise awareness of the impact of Agent Orange in Vietnam.
Namaya Productions has received a grant from St. Petersburg Arts Alliance & support through Grace Cares and Global Giving campaigns.
Facebook: facebook.com/donotforgetme.ao
Instagram: Instagram.com/donotforgetme.ao
Bio:
Namaya Art Rat for Peace and the B4 Peace team have created art, performances, and events worldwide on the impact of war and militarism in society. This program is called “Pornography of War.” Namaya is a poet, artist, peace activist, and USN veteran who creates peace and human rights. Work can be viewed at www.namayaproductions.com. Projects in part are supported by www.gracecares.org.
You can help us help others by donating now to www.gracecares.org and the B4 Peace Project
Friendship Village Vocational School in Hanoi
At the War Remnants Museum in Vietnam Dec 2020