As a black woman living in the diaspora, I have witnessed firsthand the offensive use of images depicting poor black children by my own closest friends and associates when raising awareness of social injustice inequality or fundraising for Africa. This practice is not only demeaning but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about people of color. 

When fundraising for Ukrainian families, no such offensive images were used. Similarly, no degrading photos were displayed when they successfully raised funds for these families.

Equally, there are lot of poor and homeless people sleeping rough on the streets in London, UK and Seattle, USA etc but you don’t see those images on Global broadcasting platforms nor do you see them on Not-For-Profit organisation’s websites nor DRTV campaigns! 

The question then arises - why is this double standard applied when it comes to African children?

This petition calls on all organizations to stop using Direct Response Television (DRTV), which often exploits vulnerable individuals to evoke sympathy from viewers. We also demand an end to tokenism and white saviorism – a complex that suggests white people are the primary agents of progress for people of color.

The use of 'Poverty Porn' - graphic images showcasing extreme poverty to generate empathy and donations - must be discontinued as well. It's time we shift our focus from exploiting despair towards highlighting resilience, strength, and potential.

Let's strive for dignity in representation and fairness in fundraising practices across all communities worldwide. At the very least let’s see a Consent, Censorship and Compensation (CoCCo) code of practice emerge from this. Lets call it The CoCCo law! 

As we approach the festive season in 2023 - these offending imagery will begin creeping up on your TVs and everywhere! Personally, I can’t bear that feeling of dread anymore; where I cringe watching my people displayed in such mockery - and yet from my own lived experience in the UK and USA; I’ve come across people in abject poverty, I just never see this kind response BBC, CNN, Church assets nor on NGO websites! 

Please sign this petition if you believe that every individual deserves respect regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.