International Peace Day Concert

September 20, 2020

BACKGROUND: Established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, the International Day of Peace provides a “globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.” Celebrate Peace Day at Oakland University with Mark Stone, Associate Professor of World Music and Percussion, as he shares a program featuring original compositions for the newly-invented Array Mbira, an American-made 120 key lamellaphone. The 2020 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together.

• I am so pleased to be with you to honor International Peace Day, and to
  introduce the first concert on campus since the March shut down.
  
  
• Thank you to Dean Kevin Corcoran, Amy Tully and the School of Music,
  Theatre and Dance for coordinating this important observance.
  
  
• And thank you to Professor Mark Stone for arranging a program of globally-
  inspired percussion pieces that inspire us to think more broadly about the
  musical connections among world cultures.
  
  
• One of my greatest pleasures as president is to attend concerts, plays and
  events on campus. Like all of you, I value the shared sense of purpose and
  vital connection I feel from being a part of the OU community.
  
  
• At this coming together of International Peace Day, entitled “Shaping Peace
  Together,” let’s take a moment to share a hopeful intention for the day to
  arrive when the pandemic will be under control, and we will once again be
  together in classrooms, auditoriums, theaters and other venues.
  
  
• There is so much in today’s observance of the International Day of Peace
  that aligns with our values at Oakland University.
  
  
• We take great pride in being an open, accepting campus that celebrates
  diversity, equity and inclusivity – a campus that strives to be respectful to
  all, a campus where students, faculty and staff reflect the values of
  integrity, honesty, and the pursuit of knowledge and the truth.
  
  
• The International Day of Peace is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of
  peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. One day of
  non-violence is the goal. One day….What does that say about the need for
  each of us to address the ongoing violence and exploitation that troubles our
  world?
  
  
• Today, we face a common enemy in COVID-19. As we are seeing in this country
  and around the world, it’s a battle that must be addressed openly and
  collaboratively based on science and sound public health policies, not self-
  aggrandizing politics.
  
  
• As each of us wears a mask and maintain our “social distance,” we must be
  careful to become emotionally distant with each other. Our strength is
  remaining together as a community, and remaining aware, educated and
  engaged about the issues shaping our world – issues relating to human rights,
  climate change, the need for civility in our political discourse, and the need for
  more compassion.
  
  
• As we listen and appreciate Mark’s original compositions, let’s be reminded
  of the influence of global music on the minds and voices of people around
  the world working to “shape peace together” ….
  
  
• And on International Peace Day, let’s all stand together for peace and a
  better future.
  
  
• Thank you.