Ushahidi Helps Document Kenyan Violence
Filed Under: Blogging
Congrats to FoREM contributor Erik Hersmann on getting his new web site Ushahidi.com (which means ‘witness’ in Swahili) up and running.
Ushahidi leverages the power of social media to document the on-going unrest and political violence happening right now in Kenya.
It’s a much needed voice for the people caught up in events beyond their control and overall a fascinating concept and brilliant execution. Nice work Erik.
Make sure you listen to the BBC’s “The World” interview with Erik and its profile on Ushahidi.
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Lani Anglin-Rosales | Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
OMG, I had no idea that was Erik’s… I’ll email him personally, but here I will go ahead and say that USHAHIDI.COM is an amazing gift.
I have family in Kenya (my grandmother is a missionary there) and their nation is really hurting right now. This website has been so wonderful for us back home in Texas because (1) we worry about her and the orphans she cares for and (2) we need to know specifically what to pray for.
I had already forwarded Mashable’s coverage about the site to my entire family and even some friends. Erik- from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I really needed this.
Erik | Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
Wow, thanks Joel. I didn’t expect to see anything about Africa showing up on FoREM.
The site was actually launched on Wednesday last week, while I was on the panel at Inman, so if I seemed a little frazzled you now know why… It’s gone well, and been well received.
For those who don’t know, I grew up in Kenya and Sudan. This is just my effort at helping to make a positive difference by helping people who don’t normally have a voice, speak. If you can help spread the word, it would be appreciated.
Andrew | Jan 16, 2008 | Reply
Nice work Joel. I was at a panel last year with Reddit, Digg, Topix, and Yahoo to discuss the greater role of social media. Erik’s site shows all of us that social media has a higher calling. To create awareness and transparency about issues not readily available for our media channels.
Chris Dowell | Jan 16, 2008 | Reply
What a great site! I passed it on to a couple clients who were from Kenya and they were very happy.
David Torres | Jan 16, 2008 | Reply
Awesome site! I also attended bloggers connect where I heard Erik mention his efforts. Thanks for posting it Joel.