Don Cheadle’s activist side was struck from his various film projects, making him a true actor turned activist. After his Academy Award nominated role in Hotel Rwanda in 2004 Cheadle was motivated to do something about the genocide, poverty, and AIDS epidemic in Africa. Cheadle made one of his hobbies helpful and decided to organize a poker tournament called Ante Up For Africa along with Annie Duke. Celebrities put up $5,000 to buy in with the winnings donated to the ENOUGH Project and the International Rescue Committee. Both of these organizations help aid survivors of DARFUR. Working on the “Ocean’s Eleven” movies put Cheadle in touch with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and other actors who got together to co-found the Not On Our Watch organization. Cheadle then went on to co-author the book Not On Our Watch: The Mission To End Genocide In Darfur And Beyond with John Prendergast, human rights activist, on how readers can aid in the Darfur crisis. Cheadle has truly mastered mixing his work with his passion, as he helped to co-produce the documentary “Darfur Now”, yet another project dedicated to bringing awareness and support to the troubled Sudan region. In December of 2007 Cheadle, along with Co-Star George Clooney, was honored in Rome with an award to commend their Darfur related efforts.