COLORS for Sudan

Over the past two months, you may have heard about the uprising in Sudan. If not, you've certainly seen plenty of profile pictures go from cute selfies to a solid blue hue. The change in our online environment is a way for the world to show solidarity for Sudan. It all came to a boiling point in the African country on June 3rd, when Mohamed Hashim Mattar, 26, was allegedly shot dead by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces during a crackdown on protesters in the country's capital, Khartoum.

You see, Mohamed's favorite color was blue, and his family posted the color on their own profiles in remembrance. Shortly after, it gained momentum in support from people all around the world. While the Sudanese were peacefully protesting, hundreds have been mistreated, abused, injured and even killed by the paramilitary Rapid Forces following their call for a faster transition to a Democratic government. With the media shutdown in the country, Sudan's last resort to get the world's attention is through what we all use daily, social media.

Many high profile celebrities have been outspoken on what's happening, as well as changed their profile pictures to Mohamed's blue. Of course, we have plenty of people who seem unaware of the power of social media, thinking changing a profile photo won't do anything. That's where they're wrong, as we've always been more powerful in numbers.

Ways to help:

Turning your profile Blue: This helps gain attention of the world, applying pressure to Sudan’s government. This makes it harder to get away with what they’re doing to it’s citizens. This also causes pressure on our government to possibly act.
Sign this petition: Signing this petition gets the attention of the Secretary-General of the UN, possibly prompting an investigation into the Sudanese government.
Save the Children Foundation: Save the Children has been working in Sudan since 1984 by providing for children and families affected by conflict. They are continuing to work now during the crisis.

Recently, the wonderful music platform Colors decided to join in on highlighting Sudan. Over the last week or so, they've been featuring artists from Sudan and it's diaspora. They want this series to serve as a medium to raise awareness of the political situation our brothers and sisters are going through overseas. On top of music, they've also decided to release editorial content to provide in-depth content to the complex issues happening in the north-east African country.

First up, they had Sudanese artist and producer Sammany. His rendition of, "Matalib" will leave you in chills!

After Sammany's powerful tune was performed, he sat down with Colors to discuss what's happening in his hometown. “Whether you’re inside Sudan or outside Sudan the revolution is not just protests now, it’s a mentality."

Looking for a breakdown of events to get a better understanding? Colors had a sit down with London-based journalist Yousra Elbagir to help the public get a better understanding.

Hear Yousra explain the events and uprising behind the #BlueForSudan movement after Mohamed's murder.

Social media has the power to help us come together and make a change. It started out as Mohamed's family and friends wanting to feel his presence in some way. It ended up becoming a part of Sudan's Revolution.

After a sit down with Yousra, Colors had Saudi and Sudan-based rapper, comedian and activist Flippter come to their studio to paint the room "Blue" with his politically charged track that was previously unreleased.

His lyrics were enough to bring awareness of the mayhem in the country all on it's own, honestly. But, if you still need a little more information to get you to notice the revolution, check out more talks with Yousra on the key players that are propping up Sudan's regime.

Next up, Dutch-Sudanese singer Gaidaa blessed our ears with a beautiful performance of, "Morning Blue" in the Colors Studio.

This movement has been a powerful one and it's been monumental to see so many Sudanese artist using their craft to shine a light on their land's issues. It's been even more amazing to see Colors use their resources to stand side by side with Sudan. In this moment, it's a reminder that artistic expression can be the center of any revolution. Yousra speaks on how it's helped the Sudanese uprising.