The Earth Times/THE DURBAN CONFERENCE: UN parley provides opportunity for 'clarifying issues,' says actor Danny Glover. By C. Gerald Fraser

DURBAN--For the actor Danny Glover, a United Nations "goodwill ambassador," being an African-American celebrity provides an opportunity to place "our issues" on the agenda. For him, the "successful few" who don't see themselves in relation to other people of color were "entrenched in a myopic view of the world," he said.

Glover, who has some three dozen films to his credit, including the "Lethal Weapon" series, the "Color Purple," and "Mandela," said Saturday that he came to Durban because "I want to be part of this and hear voices of people from around the world who have experienced racism. I want to understand the relationship of my national experience with others. The most important part of this conference is people coming together."

The 54-year-old San Francisco-born actor who has been in films since 1979, was interviewed by Gil Noble of New York City's WABC-TV for a future broadcast.

Often described as a passionate social activist, Glover says his career has been served by his talking about the issues of poverty, health, and racism.

Some say that celebrities-actors, sports stars, and the like-who are identified with contemporary issues and problems do so only to serve their careers. But Glover's activities belie that view. He has travelled the world for the UN to bring attention to economic and social problems, especially in Africa. Also, being in the spotlight can affect colleagues, he said, "We inspire each other."

After many years of speaking out, he has concluded that "I care about these issues even more than I realized." And he remarked that his perspective puts him in a position to understand "the truths that I see-as truths. If I don't give voice to that, I'm dehumanized." The absence of a high-level delegation from the US may be a "benefit," Glover said. "We can clarify the issues."

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