11th day of September 2002. Dearest SALAAM Supporters and Friends, Over the past month, I have been asked countless times how I feel about the first anniversary of 9/11 and my response has been the same. I don't want the first anniversary to arrive. I'm not ready to deal with remembering how I felt that day or that week. That uneasiness and sadness once again fills my spirit with ache knowing that the shocking paralysis we lived through is still felt in other places around the world. Our sisters and brothers around the world are dealing with violence and hate on a daily basis. And as I've said since then, hate and ignorance are the true enemy. A friend last year said, âEvery day in the world, people are being sent to their deaths in violent explosions that we cannot hear and whose dust we cannot taste on our tongues, or flush out with our eyes.â I recall doubting everything and feeling a complete sense of loss. Another friend had then said âLike Kalighat or Varanasi (Kashi) near the funeral pyres, the smell and smoke we were taking in was not just concrete and construction materials, but ashes of burned, crushed bodies. We were taking the remains of those human lives and bodies into our own selves and being changed forever. Perhaps the reason why we are crying so helplessly and unexplainably from time to time is that we ARE literally taking in what those people went through.â Today, on this first anniversary of 9/11, what I am reminded of is the feelings of coming together with others to share, heal and celebrate life. What I hope we each focus on is the solidarity we shared in the weeks that followed. The unfathomable tragedies of the recent past (yes, a year ago is still recent to some of us) have been etched into our memories, into our souls and into our creative energy forever. As individuals, we have bonded together as a community in order to cope... to try and live again with a greater understanding of how we are truly one â in this city, in this country and in this world. Whatever you do and however you deal, take a moment to send positive energy and love into the universe, strength to the victims' families and peace to the innocent departed souls all around the world. Every moment of love and compassion helps heal the wounds. Take time to speak with family, friends, neighbors, kids, and the elderly â everyone... This is a difficult time and as we struggle with our daily existence, remember to take good care of yourselves and each other. As Rabindranath Tagore so eloquently said, âI believe the unity of human civilization can be better maintained by linking up in fellowship and cooperation of the different civilizations of the world.â There are many commemorative events happening so I'm simply listing a few that I and SALAAM invite you to. One love...Peace, Paz, Shanti, Shalom and SALAAM, Geeta Citygirl, Artistic Director
âWe are aware that all generations of our ancestors
- Thich Nhat Hanh ===========
Throughout recorded history, the arts have brought inspiration, comfort and hope. Now, as all New York prepares to mark the first anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001, the arts will once again play a leading role. This guide lists a wide variety of events planned by New York City's non-profit cultural organizations. These listings include both regularly scheduled events and specifically planned commemorative programming. All events are open to the public; many are free of charge. From concerts to reading to exhibitions and public art, these events will provide opportunities for reflection and engagement, and help our city move forward â in sorrow, in determination and in pride. http://allianceforarts.org/nyc-arts/9-11/main.htm EARLY MORNING Bagpipe and drum processionals from each of the five boroughs begin their march toward the World Trade Center site 8:45AM Citywide moment of silence, followed by a reading of the names of the World Trade Center victims at the World Trade Center site 10:29AM Citywide tolling of bells 7:15 PM - 9 PM Candle lighting and commemorative gatherings in each borough begin with lighting an eternal flame at the temporary memorial in historic Battery Park. This ceremony will be broadcast live to various gathering sites in all five boroughs (see below sites for details). New Yorkers, wherever their location are encouraged to join in lighting candles at this time. http://www.nyc.gov www.nysca.org www.nytimes.com
www.nycvisit.com
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"OUR GRIEF IS NOT A CRY FOR WAR" is a collaborative performance that was conceived immediately after 9/11 by the Adhoc Artists Group and the Artists Network of Refuse & Resist. It was first performed at Union Square on 9/22/01. We feel that its message is even more appropriate one year later. Please come and participate in the performance so our presence will be significant. Assemble in front of the Barnes & Noble on the north side of the square at 6:45. Wear black. After the performance we will proceed to Rev. Billy's event (below) at St. Mark's. ===========
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BOMBS TO FLOWERS
"Globalfax" Festival as exhibited in the Crystal Palace in Madrid Spain
(on Video)
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Spoken Work By Suheir Hammad
Since 9/11 Thousands of South Asians and Arabs have been detained or have simply disappeared due to the war on terrorism. Join us for a very special YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE as we acknowledge all the victims of the tragic events 366 days prior. YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! is a series raising funds and awareness
Followed by Basement Bhangra at 9:30PM
$12 w/ flyer or printout from www.basementbhangra.com/flyer
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Cooper Union - The Great Hall
Internationally-acclaimed writer Arundhati Roy is making a rare appearance in the United States. With filmmaker Aradhana Seth, Roy will present the BBC documentary "Dam/age,"which focuses on grassroots resistance to the monumental dams that have displaced ten of thousands of people in the Narmada Valley of India. After the screening, Roy will discuss the film and this crucial struggle. A book signing will follow the event. Roy, the Booker Prize-winning author of The God of Small Things, has recently made international headlines. When she took up her celebrated pen to call attention to the struggle in Narmada, her outspoken criticism of the Indian government landed her in jail. Roy also questioned the war against Afghanistan as reprisal for the terrorist attacks on September 11th. These controversial essays were collected in the best-selling Power Politics, published by South End Press. For more details about this program, http://www.southendpress.org ===========
From Sept. 13th through September 15th, 2002 at Barnard College, Columbia University, 116th Street/Broadway in New York, NY, W.E.R.I.S.E. is hosting our 1st annual International Women Artists' Conference (I.W.A.C.) "Uniting and Thriving." This gathering--complete with workshops, panel discussions, poetry, theatre, music, dance performances, spoken word, fashion events, film screenings, healing/movement sessions, creativity rooms, booths, and an art exhibition--is an opportunity for women artists, organizers and entrepreneurs from all over the world to share their respective disciplines, talents, and backgrounds, as well as to help build a new community--a women artists' global network! W.E.R.I.S.E (women empowered through revolutionary ideas supporting enterprise) is a womanist/feminist organization with a collective component. We formed in order to provide a network, resources, and support to develop women artists/entrepreneurs as well as to generate exposure for them. W.E.R.I.S.E is a multicultural, multi-generational, multi-disciplinary, and multi-artistic community. We produce events directed by and featuring women who represent diverse backgrounds and artforms. These artists include writers, filmakers, vocalists, dancers, actresses, visual artists, photographers, musicians, poets, and on and on... Details at http://www.werise.org <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
SALAAM is a not-for-profit professional theatre company celebrating South Asian American artistic excellence through creative risk-taking and experimentation that challenges all boundaries, connects all peoples and links all the arts.
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