James Barfield and DJ Newman announced the launch of a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to aiding victims of natural disasters across the world. Liberate Humanity, www.liberatehumanity.com, will work in coordination with other organizations to support existing health structures, provide supplies and equipment to help rebuild disaster sites, and raise funds to assist victims. Liberate Humanity will celebrate its official launch Dec. 3, 2011 at Life in Deep Ellum in Dallas, TX with a special kickoff event open to the public.
Liberate Humanity has already been granted 501(c)3 status and will be supported through a combination of public contributions and proceeds from the apparel line the organization will release. Cousins James Barfield and DJ Newman co-founded the charity.
Natural disasters continue to increase in frequency and devastation and were responsible for nearly $300 billion in losses in 2011 alone. The 2010 Haiti earthquake resulted in the loss of more than 220,000 human lives, and the Japanese earthquake and tsunami of 2011 claimed a death toll of approximately 20,000. Disaster victims need an increasing amount of assistance.
An innovative approach to generating disaster relief and awareness makes Liberate Humanity a unique asset in the non-profit world. The grass-roots organization plans to leverage the founders’ existing passion for the fashion industry as a way to provide merchandise that generates awareness and support for assisting worldwide victims of disaster and generate relief funds in a way that engages the public and energizes donors.
Special events, including benefit concerts, educational projects, construction of shelters and homes, and a wide variety of other ventures are planned. Liberate Humanity’s founders have demonstrated active involvement in charitable and community organizations ranging from The Kansas African American Museum to Mentoring Brother to Brother and plan to partner with Samaritan’s Purse, the American Red Cross, Feeding America, Impact Lives, Target Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and others.
“When you grow up in the flatlands of Kansas, you’re bound to see your share of tornadoes and the damage one leaves behind,” said co-founder DJ Newman. “Witnessing that tornado devastation and the scars it leaves on a community is where my compassion for natural disaster victims stems from. I realized I could do something to help.”
Liberate Humanity is a collaborative effort between co-founders James Barfield and DJ. James Barfield, owner of Barfield’s Boutique Online and Marketing Coordinator for The Kansas African American Museum, is a Wichita, KS native. In addition to his work for Liberate Humanity, James is involved with Fred Douglas #99 Princehall Freemasons, the American Marketing Association, Young Professionals of Wichita, and Wichita Professional Communicators.
DJ Newman received a BA degree in Fine Art with a concentration in graphic design from Emporia State University (Emporia, KS) and is employed by Concord Church as a graphic designer. He resides in Dallas, TX with his wife Nneka and his two children. His graphic design experience will drive the creation of Liberate Humanity’s line of apparel.
The Liberate Humanity, Inc. official launch party will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 6:00 – 10:00 PM at Life in Deep Ellum, 2803 Taylor St., Dallas, TX 75226. This special kickoff part will feature door prizes, a silent auction, and live music provided by saxophonist Willie Wactor III and DJ PhatKat.
About Liberate Humanity
Liberate Humanity is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that sends aid to victims of natural disasters across the world. Liberate Humanity was established as a non-profit brand dedicated to generating capital for these unfortunate victims through Liberate Humanity merchandise and annual capital campaigns. The idea for Liberate Humanity, Inc. was birthed after two relatives were inspired by the tragedy of natural disasters to create a charitable organization to raise funds for equipment and various supplies to send to victims of natural disasters. The goal of liberate humanity is to respond to natural disasters, save lives in times of conflict, prevent disease, and rebuild cities. To achieve this goal, Liberate Humanity works in coordination with other recognized charitable organizations to support existing health structures, provide supplies and equipment, and rebuild disaster sites. www.liberatehumanity.com
