Oneness of Humanity Celebration

This annual event features nationally-recognized speakers as well as interactive programs addressing important and timely subjects. For more information click here.

The 2009 Program

"Beyond Difference: The Unifying Power of Laughter, Music & Dance"

This year’s event featured the universal languages of laughter, music and dance and was a largely experiential event.

Kathleen Beaudreau, a Certified Laughologist and owner of “Living Laughter,” led the audience in an experience of intentional laughter exercises and discussed the physical and emotional healing power of laughing and how laughter builds bridges and tears down barriers between and among people.

Musical pieces were performed by Kevin Sharpe with the Ritz Chamber Players and vocalists Carol & Kate Porfilio. The audience sand along with the "Playing for Change" video of  "One Love (Lets Get Together and Feel Alright)."

The Braided Light Dance Project, an innovative new modern dance company, performed an inspired dance piece. The evening will concluded as everyone participated in a rousing Isreali folkl dance, led by Jo-Ellen Unger, Director of Education and Youth at The Temple (Congregation Ahavath Chesed).

Charlotte Mabrey, Professor of Music at UNF and Percussionist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, served as Emcee for the evening, connecting each segment in a way that enhanced the experience and united people of different faiths, races, cultures and beliefs.

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Previous Oneness of Humanity Events

The 2008 Program

This event featured the screening of two short films that examine the walls that separate us (real or imagined) and what really stands in the way of our living as one human family.  The films were followed by a panel discussion by diverse professionals.

• “The Wall.” A stunning award-winning drama written & directed by Michael Lloyd Green and produced by Sou Yun Sim, both graduates of FSU’s College of Motion Picture, Television Recording Arts. A lonely New York cellist struggles to cope with the guilt of his dark past while his neighbor, a Jewish immigrant from Germany struggles with another kind of pain.

• “West Bank Story.” Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006 and an Oscar Winner for “Best Live Action Short Film” that same year, this hilarious musical parody of “West Side Story” was directed and written by Ari Sandel with co-writer Kim Ray. An Israeli soldier and a Palestinian fast food cashier, fall in love amidst the animosity of their families’ dueling falafel stands in the West Bank, the Kosher King and the Hummus Hut. The couple’s love triggers a chain of events that forces all to find common ground.

 The panel, moderated by Madeline Scales-Taylor, Director of Community Relations for Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, included Rabbi Joshua Lief, Rabbi with the Congregation Ahavath Chesed, The Temple; Dr. Parvez Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Finance, UNF Coggin School of Business and former Chair of the Council on American-Islamic Relations; Dr. Fahed Abu-Aked, Minister, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta GA; and Father Jason Trull, Priest, Resurrection Catholic Church.

The 2007 Program

The 2007 event featured a panel discussion and book signing with the authors of the New York Times bestseller, "The Faith Club--A Muslim. A Christian. A Jew. Three Women Search for Understanding." Former WJXT anchorwoman, Deborah Gianoulis, moderated the panel discussion.

More than 350 people were on hand to hear how The Faith Club, Ranya Idilby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner, three mothers from three faiths-Islam, Christianity, and Judaism-originally got together to write a picture book for their children highlighting the connections between their religions. Instead, their dialogue led to provocative, honest and candid discussions with arguments, difficult moments and ultimately, respect and appreciation for the things that each holds dearest. They discovered a special friendship-and themselves.

OneJax makes it easy for those wishing to join or start a Faith Club. Simply visit our Faith Club Message Board and add your interests to the postings.

  Listen to an interview with the authors conducted by Karen Feagins of 89.9 WJCT Radio.

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