The Save Darfur Coalition today named Grammy Award-nominee Big Kenny (Kenny Alphin) of the country music duo Big & Rich its December “Darfur Hero.” The program highlights individuals who are playing a crucial role in helping end the violence in Darfur.

Big Kenny has been an outspoken advocate for the people of Darfur since early 2006 when he met former Marine Captain Brian Steidle who served as an African Union observer for their mission in Darfur. Since then he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur – speaking about the situation at all of his concerts and in all of his public appearances and interviews.

“No matter where I am, I take advantage of every opportunity to raise awareness of the crisis in Darfur and demand action,” said Big Kenny in his blog posting on the Save Darfur website. “I would spend every nickel I could get my hands on to help these people. Darfur is the worst humanitarian crisis on our earth and it is time we did something to stop it – permanently.”
Big Kenny’s blog posting can be viewed on Save Darfur’s website here.

In April 2006, Big & Rich spoke and performed before an estimated 50,000 people at the “Save Darfur: Rally to Stop Genocide” on the National Mall in Washington. The duo again spoke and performed in September 2007 Voices to Stop Genocide rally in New York’s Central Park. Additionally, last October, Big Kenny traveled with his wife, Christiev, to Akon, Sudan. The couple delivered clothing, medical and school supplies, and musical instruments to the Kunyuk School for Girls.

“If these were our children in our neighborhoods, there is no way on earth we would tolerate such blatant abuses of humanity,” he added. “One by one we’ll grow into a voice that cannot be ignored.”

Most recently, Big Kenny spoke at the Nashville leg of the Dream for Darfur Olympic Torch Relay. The relay, which has also traveled internationally to countries with a history of genocide and mass atrocities, aims to urge China – as Sudan’s chief diplomatic sponsor, major weapons provider, and largest investor and trade partner – to use its unique position to lead the world in bringing and end to the ongoing violence and suffering in Darfur.