The Peace Ball: Voices of Hope and Resistance will take place in Washington, D.C.'s historic Arena Stage at The Meade Center For American Theater on the evening of January 20, 2013. This event will pay tribute to the continuing struggle for peace and justice here in The United States and throughout the world.
Four years ago hundreds of peace loving activists gathered at the 2008 Inaugural Peace Ball here in Washington, DC to celebrate the election of the first African American President of the United States and to wave the banner of peace during that historic moment. The times are different today, but the commitment to ensure that peace and justice remain on our national agenda has not wavered.
This gathering is a reminder for all who work tirelessly to make our world a safer more just place, that our work does not stop when we elect a president, it continues beyond national elections and despite the political climate in Washington, D.C. We need to continue to build a movement for a better world where the end to war, justice and respect for the environment are at the forefront of our national and global agendas. It is a struggle of ordinary people joining together raising their voices and resisting injustice.
Howard Zinn reminded us four years ago that "TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage and kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives". Howard also cautioned us that "If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and placesand there are so manywhere people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory."
Won't you join us for this historic night on January 20, 2013 along with hundreds of other activists and agitators to reclaim hope, to celebrate our accomplishments and to dance the furious dance of defiance!
Angela Davis, Amy Goodman, Ralph Nader, Katrina vanden Heuvel, Alice Walker, Van Jones, Sonia Sanchez, Danny Glover, Nicole Lee, Avis Jones-DeWeever, Julian Bond, Marian Wright Edelman, Medea Benjamin, Etan Thomas, Dave Zirin, Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., Barbara Ehrenreich, Phyllis Bennis, Jack Halberstam and more!
Sweet Honey in the Rock Sweet Honey in the Rock is an all-woman, African-American a cappella ensemble. They are an American Grammy Award-winning troupe who express their history as women of color through song, dance, and sign language.
Moby DJ Set Moby is an American musician, DJ, and photographer. He is well known for his sample-based electronic music, vegan lifestyle, and support of animal rights.
Emma's Revolution Emma's Revolution is the duo of award-winning activist musicians, Pat Humphries & Sandy O. Grand Prize winners in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, the duo's songs create new standards in the art of social justice. Their songs "Peace, Salaam, Shalom" and "Keep on Moving Forward" are sung around the world, and their music has been featured on NPR's All Things Considered and Pacifica's Democracy Now!
Farafina Kan Farafina Kan literally translates to the sound of Africa. We are a professional performing arts company dedicated to maintaining the history and integrity of traditional African drumming and dancing. Under the tutelage of international performing arts legends, Farafina Kan seeks to sustain the work initiated by these legends through professionalism, artistry, continual learning and proactive intergenerational transmission of African culture through music and movement.
Sahel Sahel is a band of musicians from diverse backgrounds who believe in honoring multicultural evolution by performing currently relevant music like Zouk, Mbalax, Samba, Reggae and Salsa. Sahel is inspired by tradition and dedicated to the progress of music that moves the world.
What is the Dress Code? Black Tie, cultural traditional, or whatever makes you feel great and want to celebrate. Where can I park? Valet Parking is $25.00 cash at the door. Self-parking is one block away at Central Parking located at 1101 6th Street, SW for $11.00 (cash or credit card) Is a Metro nearby? The Waterfront Metro station is one block away from the venue. Will there be dancing? YES! Be prepared to dance the night away. Are their assigned seats? There is no assigned seating. This is a good fashion party. Is the venue handicap-accessible? Yes. There are ramps and elevators to accommodate everyone. Can I bring children? Yes, all are welcome. Be mindful the event will be quite loud with music throughout the venue. Will there be "keepsakes" available? Your ticket and program booklet will make for great souvenirs. We also have a photo area to get your picture taken in front of the Peace Ball logo. Is President Obama expected to attend? We are inviting Mr. Obama but we will not have response until very close to the date. What kind of food will be served? There will be a wide variety of items on the menu with food stations throughout the venue. Will there be vegetarian options? Vegan? The Peace Ball menu will accommodate vegetarians and vegans. What kind of music will be featured at the event? The music at the Peace Ball will cross a wide variety of musical tastes everything from soul to rock to rap. Just come prepared to have fun. For more information, email peaceball2013@busboysandpoets.com
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Location
Arena Stage at The Mead Center
1101 6th Street Southwest
Washington, DC 20024
United States
