Surendra Ullal
CHICAGO: Saapri – South Asian American Policy and Research Institute – in Chicago organized its third program in its Summer Series – Ahimsa Day to create awareness for ending Violence
The program on Friday July 20 was in collaboration with the Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts and the Chicago Park District at Oz Park (corner of Lincoln Ave & Larrabee St.Rain Location: Oz Park Gymnasium.
Saapri panelists were K. Sujata, President/CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women; Indira Johnson, Artist and Nonviolence Educator; Fritz Kaegi Nominee for Cook County Assessor; Lisa Butler, Filmmaker and Producer, Her Voice.
It was also the aim to bring communities together with a program featuring a beautiful classical Indian dance performance that depicts themes of violence and justice, and a panel discussion with community members and activists moderated by Saapri.
A Saapri program with the same theme will on also be held on Saturday, August 11 at Indian Boundary Park.
Chicago neighborhoods have some of the highest rates of violence in the nation, and communities of color are disproportionately affected by hate crimes, domestic abuse, and other forms of violence. Ahimsa will be a powerful way to bridge cultural barriers in the city and envision how community members might work together to find common ground and build peace.
