Ebony Obsidian Instagram – One point three million. The number of people reaching for their roots after fleeing Sudan to neighboring countries like South Sudan. Including those who have been displaced, South Sudan now holds 9.4 million people facing challenges due to ongoing flooding, food shortages, and declining humanitarian aid. From Juba to Maban, I visited several refugee camps there with the International Rescue Committee. My visit to South Sudan speaks to how the IRC is a force for positive change. With people in all corners of the world working diligently, efficiently, and creatively to bring stability to the lives of those whose realities have been shaken to the core. I have witnessed, with my own eyes, the empowerment their programs are cultivating and the spiral effect of gratitude, confidence, and self sufficiency they leave in their wake. To be on this side of change making, with this organization, is a privilege.  You can support the IRC’s work by visiting Rescue.org. More info at the Teen Vogue link and IRC fundraiser link on my page.