Women's Views on Health, Peace and Development
July 2000
Banner photo: ©SEKAI BUNKA PHOTO
The Sound of Victory Over Violence
Jazz session at the VOV concert [Francisco Palacio]
What does Victory Over Violence (VOV) sound like? It sounds like the roar of delight coming from an audience of 1,000 inside the Friendship Auditorium at the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC). On May 14, participants of the FNCC arts division conference came together with SGI-USA members from South Florida, their friends and dignitaries of the neighboring communities for their first-ever VOV concert.
The concert is part of a larger VOV movement initiated by the SGI-USA Youth Peace Committee (YPC). The goal of the VOV movement is to address the alarming escalation of violence and decreasing respect for life in society. The YPC further seeks to foster awareness of individuals who can contribute to the creation of a new global order of peace. In connection with the VOV campaign, the YPC has created a video-and-information kit entitled "Quest for Peace: Working Together Toward a Nonviolent World." They have also sponsored an exhibit and a pledge declaring the signer's determination to value his or her own life, respect all life and inspire hope in others.
The range and power of the arts division impressed the many young people and local guests who attended the concert at FNCC. "Awesome! I mean not just the music, not just the performances, but the whole message was incredible," one young spectator said.
The program was divided into two distinct segments. Part one featured a variety of performances--break dancing, Japanese taiko drumming, opera singing and more. Part two showcased Super Sounds, featuring Miami's own Nestor Torres on flute, Wayne Shorter on saxophone, Shunzo Ohno on trumpet, Kenwood Dennard on drums, Buster Williams on bass and Onaje Alan Gumbs on piano.
"Having a concert for the purpose of mitigating violence is a wonderful idea," said Dr. Ijya Tulloss, a Barry University professor. "What made it especially moving was that there were so many people of different backgrounds working closely together. It brought everything back to the diverse community in which we live."
