It has been almost 30 years since the U.S. decided to boycott the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. With the Cold War at its height, the decision to exclude American athletes from competition met with mixed reactions. But what kind of reaction would a similar decision provoke today?

For author and human rights activist Elizabeth Hankins, China’s role in the ongoing conflict in Sudan is an obvious — yet inconvenient — truth, which should be recognized by an American boycott of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

It all began in the 1990s, when China financed the construction of a pipeline from the oil fields of southern Sudan to the Red Sea. China received desperately-needed oil to fuel its industries, and corrupt Sudanese leaders received cash. That cash eventually helped finance the 21st century’s first genocide, which is still occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Until now, the international community has largely ignored the plight of the Sudanese people. But the upcoming Olympics in China threaten to shine a spotlight on past injustices.

On your show, Hankins will:

• Argue that America’s reluctance to boycott the Olympics is indicative of U.S. dependency on China for consumer goods.

• Discuss how celebrities, like Mia Farrow, have unsuccessfully called for Stephen Spielberg to quit his job as producer of the Games.

• Invite audience members to express their views on a
potential boycott.

CREDENTIALS: Elizabeth Hankins is the author of
THE CALLING (Key Publishing House, Inc., 2008), as well as an activist and cultural strategist.

AVAILABILITY: Houston, nationwide by arrangement and via telephone
CONTACT: Elizabeth Hankins, (713) 298-2921
(TX); elizabeth@thecalling-novel.com;
www.thecalling-novel.com