Program Highlights
“It doesn't matter where you are from, what you look like or what religion you have, inside we are all the same.”
When the terror attacks of September 11th caused the cancellation of the 2001 Latin Grammy Awards, hundreds of people gathered at the Beverly Hilton for an impromptu benefit concert for the victims of the tragedy. The stars not only helped raise thousands of dollars for those in need, but spread the healing power of music throughout the evening.
Oneness captured the evening’s message of oneness, tolerance and understanding by filming statements from participants, for use in public service announcements (PSAs).
Three 30 sec. PSAs, featuring artists Alejandra Guzman, Laura Pausini, Juanes, Ruben Blades and others, were shot behind the scenes at the Beverly Hilton. The PSAs, named “Oneness,” “Tolerance,” and “Don’t Be Afraid,” testify to the American spirit of unity in diversity, and promote the idea that, in the words of Laura Pausini, “the light of unity can illumine the whole world.” Spectators, donors, artists, and members of the music industry all contributed to the uplifting messages broadcast in the PSAs.
“The most important thing is to show that we are not going to allow our spirits to be broken,” said Ruben Blades. “Oneness is what makes our lives possible. We need to respect each other.”
Click here to view the PSA’s
Documentary Debunks Stereotypes of People of Middle Eastern Descent
Oneness took an active stance against the rise of hate-crimes against those of Middle Eastern descent, by producing a documentary aimed at educating America’s “MTV” generation against the dangers of racism.
The 24 minute documentary follows Middle Eastern teens of various ethnic and religious backgrounds as they face ignorance and discrimination based on their appearance. Each segment begins by showing the biases of onlookers as they speculate on the subject’s age, religion, race, and interests. By the end of the segment, the truth of the teen’s life discredits the stereotypes while exposing the similarities between Americans of Middle Eastern descent and their peers of other ethnicities.
By putting a human face on those people who were targets of discrimination, Oneness aims to help open the eyes and hearts of the young people of this nation.
Oneness Songwriter Summit
What if the songwriters and producers for some of the biggest names in the music industry (Santana, Sarah McLaughlin, Kanye West and others), came together to write songs reflecting racial unity and social justice? The result; "Oneness: Songs of Hope & Unity" is a compilation of songs culled from the "Songwriters Summit for Oneness”; an event dedicated to the creation of music that connects or reconnects us with hope and a deeper sense of unity. Spanning Alternative, POP and R&B – the music created inspires emotions ranging from love to anger...with the constant being that they all express, in their own unique way, the common theme of the oneness of humanity.
In this unique event songwriters break out into small groups and proceed to pre-assigned rooms equipped with keyboards, laptops, mixers, microphones and more generously donated by companies ranging from Apple, M-Audio, SST, Soundabout Music, Mackie, Design FX Audio, and Advanced Audio. The Los Angeles Recording Workshop provides staff for setup, breakdown, and technical support. In keeping with the unity theme of bringing together diverse people for the common goal, songwriters were pre-screened and groups were pre-determined so as to create new and dynamic partnerships.
Conceived, produced and organized by Oneness, The Songwriter’s Summit is only possible through the generous support of sponsors like the Recording Academy, Jim Henson Studios, Barnes & Noble, REMO Inc., the Conga Room, Universal Music Publishing, BMI and many others. Oneness extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and participated in this powerful event.
Click here to here clips from the Songwriters’ Summit Compilation
