Circles of Light was celebrated on June 18, 2024, at SF Jazz.
June 18 (UN International Day to Counter Hate Speech) is also an opportunity to address hate speech globally and in the United States. During the evening, we highlighted the work of four of the 440 Cooperation Circles, who every day Stand Strong, End Violence, and Heal Together. These stories reflect efforts related to religiously motivated violence, discrimination, ecocide, or hate speech.
The evening featured gospel, jazz, and R&B stellar performances from the legendary Regina Belle and Peabo Bryson at SFJAZZ in San Francisco. The music reminded us of the origin of gospel and jazz in African American history in the US and was a beautiful tribute to Juneteenth.
Dr. Oscar Williams, host and co-producer extraordinaire, wrote and performed a finale titled Circles of Light, an anthem to peace.
The lively dances and drums from the Duniya Dance and Drum Company and the amazing voices of the Olivet Gospel choir entertained the audience.
Below, you can view the various segments of the evening as well as sign along with the anthem.
The creative power of jazz music releases spirit, energy, humanity, and enthusiasm.
URI works a lot like jazz and its music.
URI is a powerful connector ~ a way for people from different traditions and backgrounds to come together.
When people listen to music together, there is a bond that is deeper than words.
We appreciate music together and create new friendships.
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URI Purpose
The purpose of the United Religions Initiative is:
1) to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation,
2) to end religiously motivated violence and
3) to create cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings.
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Every day, we have the opportunity
- and responsibility -
to stop the spread of Hate Speech and say “No to Violence.”
25th Anniversary - Remembering the founding of URI
The Right Rev. William E. Swing reminisces about the founding of URI, from the U.N. phone call to his travels around the world to speak with religious leaders, and, finally, to the creation of a grassroots organization called United Religions.
Circles of Light, Words and Music: Oscar Williams Jr, Copyright 2024 - That’s My Song Music Publishing ASCAP
Verse
There’s a light that’s shining down on us
There’s a voice that’s calling us to go higher and higher
There’s a message we carry
And we won’t grow weary
We’ll just keep fighting – until the whole world is singing
Chorus:
AH-----------------
It’s the sound of peace, sing it out
AH-----------------
It’s the sound of freedom, ringing out
There’s a light, deep down within
Don’t let this world cause it to dim
Keep shining – You’re in the circle, circle of light
Back to Verse 1
Stand Strong, End Violence, and Heal Together
Cooperation Circle Stories
Ashary Sanguila
Pakigdait, Inc. CC
The Philippines
Growing up with war in Mindanao Philippines, facing anti-Muslim prejudice and local hostilities motivated Ashary Sanguila to work harder for peace.
Nileyn Gonzalez
Mukua CC
Panama
As an Indigenous woman and a member of the albino community, Nini wants to end discrimination in Panama and beyond.
Henry Muhindo
FORARO CC
Uganda
Henry recounts his story as a boy soldier and his current work in healing the trauma of past abductees.
Raoman Smita
Global Law Thinkers CC
Bangladesh
Raoman Smita a a young leader passionate about the environment and human rights.
Gratitude
We are thankful for Regina Belle's and Peabo Bryson's stellar performances, as well as the lively dances and drums from the Duniya Dance and Drum Company. We are forever in debt to the amazing host, Dr. Oscar Williams, for being the showman of the evening and for the incredible anthem he composed.
We are grateful to Ashary, Nileyn, Henry, and Raoman for taking time from their busy schedules to record their stories.
We thank all our donors for their generous participation, which played a significant role in the success of our event. We also extend our gratitude to those who introduced URI to their friends, helping us reach a wider audience.
Thank you to the professional teams of SFJAZZ, B-Side Cafe, Betty Zlatchin Catering & Events for their superb service.
URI's success requires many, and we are so grateful that you are part of our community.