It’s amazing how many fair trade activists we have in LA!

About 50 people came to kick off Fair Trade LA’s inaugural event today on the USC campus.

Most of the time, I was behind the chocolate sampling table. The first question I got: “What’s the difference between all these different fair trade labels?”

It’s possible that my answer was a lil more detailed than what she was looking for…

Anyway. Eisha Mason (right) — KPFK radio host and speaker/trainer on nonviolence and social justice issues — got us started with a moving speech about working FOR a cause, as opposed to against one.

Michael Sheridan (left) of CRS Fair Trade spoke next — and actually had to pause while talking about the effect fair trade could have on some of the producers.

Because he started crying. That, I so didn’t see coming.

Then David Funkhouser of TransFair USA provided some basic details about fair trade certification while speaking about the huge effect even individuals can have in the fair trade movement.

Throughout, people got to sample fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, and sugar from Alter Eco, Pura Vida, and Equal Exchange.

Next event: Come hear JJ Keki & Seth Jonadev, two Ugandan coffee farmers from the Mirembe Kawomera co-op as part of the “Delicious Peace” Coffee Tour organized by Thanksgiving Coffee. March 14, 7 pm — Place TBD. Hope to see you there!

Update, 3/11/06: The March 14, 7 pm event will be held at [NEW LOCATION!!] Islamic Center of Southern California. 434 S. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles. Parking available behind the building via the driveway next to car dealership.

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