Peace Jam, What’s That?
Over the past few days, we’ve been getting alot of emails asking what this so called Peace Jam is. People hear that 8-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill’s coming, that we have poets from HBO’s Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam showing up, winners of Apollo Theatre Night making an appearance, Jain beatboxers dropping a beat, etc. But what does that have to do with our conference and how does hip hop relate to Jain dharma?
Hip Hop was founded upon the principles of non-violence. Back in the late 1970’s, the hip hop culture grew out of the social injustice that was placed on minorities in the rising New York urban community. Instead of in-sighting violence, leaders such as DJ Kool Herc setup block parties to bring the suppressed communities together. These block parties served as a gathering of like minded individuals to express themselves through the arts.
The Peace Jam as a result is utilizing the core principles of hip hop combined with a conscious and purposeful overtone to bring light to our theme: Peace Through Dialogue. Hip hop now has a prominent role in the music industry, the fashion industry, the arts, in education, and in many other aspects of life. What better way to show how non-violence can bring upon some real change in life?
To see Ms. Lauryn Hill and other artists perform at the Peace Jam, sign up for the evening social activities when registering for the Jaina conference.
About Jain Diaries
Jain Diaries is a blog by YJA about Peace, Compassion, and having a good time. Written and edited by youth just like you. Enjoy!