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5/16/07: A Long Way Gone

By Doug Fabrizio

Salt Lake City, UT – At 12 years old, Ishmael Beah's life became horribly entangled in Sierra Leone's civil war. He became a refugee, and within a year was forced into the government army. But after living through and committing truly terrible acts - Beah was sent to a rehabilitation center and eventually made his way to the United States. He's written a memoir called "A Long Way Gone," and in it, he reveals the life that as many as 300,000 child soldiers are living throughout the world today. Ishmael Beah is in Salt Lake City, and joins Doug to talk about his journey through hell and his road to redemption.

    Ishmael Beah is in Salt Lake City as part of a week of events focusing on Conflict, Children and the Role of Storytelling and Pop Culture.
  • On Wednesday, May 16th at 3:00 p.m. at the Salt Lake City Library, Ishmael Beah will be on hand for a screening of "Witness to the Truth." Immediately following the film, he will be joined by his mother Laura Simms for the discussion "Coming Home to Oneself: The Healing Nature of Memory and Listening."
  • On Wednesday, May 16th at 6:00 p.m., Beah will be at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center for a reception with Salt Lake's Sierra Leone community. At 7:00 p.m., the Salt Lake City Film Center will screen "Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars" followed by a question and answer period.
  • On Thursday, May 17th, The King's English will host Ishmael Beah for a reading from his memoir "A Long Way Gone." The event takes place at Calvary Baptist Church, 1090 South State Street. Tickets are available through the store, 484-9100.
  • To learn more about all of these events, visit The Leonardo on-line or call 531-9800.

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