Violence appears to be the dominant method of trying to impose change to our ideologies or culture. (The stream of mass shootings like the tragedy in Orlando seems to be proof). But what if a better, more effective means for change that doesn’t require bloodshed and devastation can be employed?

Artistry is often a more revolutionary weapon against violence. We’ll explore that hypothesis through the topic Nonviolent Action in Practice Through Music and Art through a first ever online screening and live chat in partnership with Ovee that will take place Thursday, June 23 at 4 p.m. ET.

Register now ahead of time to take part in the discussion here.


Take part in the discussion and screening on the day of here.


The screening will begin with a TED Talk by world-renowned peace activist, Jamila Raqib who also serves as the Executive Director of the Albert Einstein Institution in Massachusetts, which promotes the study and strategic use of nonviolent action around the globe.

In the TED Talk, Raqib explains how effective nonviolent resistance if partnered together with a larger strategy can identify and cut off the resources needed to disrupt functions of corrupt government organizations like as ISIS.

“We're not going to end war by telling people that violence is morally wrong. Instead, we must offer them a tool that's at least as powerful and as effective as violence,” Raqib mentions in her talk.

Following the online screening, there will be a online live panel discussion with Raqib, Daryn Cambridge, the Senior Program Officer at the Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding at the United States Institute of Peace and Dr. Maria J. Stephan, the Senior Policy Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace. All will discuss creative ways in which music and art can be used as methods of nonviolent action.

This online event will also include a screening of the Timothy O’Keefe film Music of Resistance: Conversations in the Middle East.

Article edited by Rosemary Jean-Louis