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MANNABLISS
Fifty-three years after Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, thousands came together with a deep yearning for this country to become united in its rich diversity, rather than further divided.
Chant4Change is the brainchild of local DC musician Gaura Vani, and was timed for exactly one month before the US Presidential election, with the hope of uniting people in the face of an unprecedentedly divisive election cycle.
The day-long gathering of song and prayer brought together well-known musicians, activists and changemakers from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Native American traditions, each underscoring common themes of love of God, each other, and our planet.
“We wanted to raise the vibration by chanting together with love for our neighbor, without consideration of their religion, politics, race, sex, age or economic status,” says Gaura Vani. “Regardless of who is in power, the real solutions are going to have to happen on a deeper level. These prayers, these songs, are an invitation to each other and to our own better selves for a better destiny and a better future.”
Singing in the call-and-response style known as kirtan, performers included Sweet Honey in the Rock, MC Yogi, Juggernauts: Gaura Vani & Visvambhar, Fannah-Fi-Allah, David Newman, Tina Malia, Ajeet Kaur, Sarod Virtuosos Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and sons Amaan and Ayaan, Mikey Pauker and Kirtan Rabbi. Religious leaders such as HH Radhanath Swami, Rev. Allan Gates and Kabir Helminski gave powerful speeches, and a personal letter celebrating the event was read out on behalf of HH The Dalai Lama.
This was the second Chant4Change, and there will be many more, says production manager Danielle Birch. “Our intention is to offer Chant4Change every two years in a variety of iconic locations throughout the United States, with the next one being planned for Times Square in New York City in 2018.” The first event was held in 2009 during the inauguration of President Barack Obama and was a musical expression of hope held in a church near the White House.
Chant4Change was produced almost entirely by volunteers and was funded with generous donations from individuals and independent business sponsors who share the vision of an America united by love and tolerance. Join them in supporting this grassroots movement by visiting http://www.chant4change.com.
For further information, please contact Danielle Birch: [email protected].
Mannabliss was honored to serve as a sponsor of Chant4Change 2016 and to join the incredible team of devotees in executing this transformative event.
[Press Release]