NEW YORK - February 19 - Author, historian, and human rights activist Howard Zinn, best known for his groundbreaking book A People's History of the United States, will be joining photojournalist Moises Saman, musician Fionn O Lochlainn, poet Michael Lally, and others in a collaborative event with a clear message of peace and solidarity in response to the human realities of war. This hopeful, inspiring, and humane message will be experienced through the interlinked artistry of music, poetry, photography, and literature. A Message of Peace echoes the language of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "...recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world."

Co-sponsored by Emergency, an organization that provides first quality medical and surgical care free of charge in war torn areas, this event creates a clear picture of the ravages of war and the potential for progress. In March, Emergency will open a regional health care facility in Sudan linked to clinics in the capital cities of all nine bordering countries. This facility, the Salam Center (the name means "peace" in Arabic) will bring new hope to people struggling to survive, heal, and return to health amidst the terrible violence and suffering of the region. It will also be the third largest green structure in the world.

To date, Emergency teams have successfully operated in some of the most volatile regions in the world, including Iraq, Sudan, and particularly Afghanistan, where their facilities have treated more than 20% of the country's population. Emergency's efforts have been central to the peace movement and have done much more than deliver relief medicine. Emergency facilities provide on-site training for local health care staff and help develop infrastructure in regions where health facilities, systems, and programs have deteriorated.

The event on February 20 will be held in the historic Great Hall of the Cooper Union (East 7th St. at 3rd Ave., Manhattan), from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Activist/musician Fionn O Lochlainn will open with a musical performance to be followed by a poetry reading by Michael Lally from his book, March 18, 2003: A Poem for Peace. The brilliant and powerful photographic images taken by Moises Saman will be on display throughout the evening. Howard Zinn will deliver the keynote address on the subject of a "just" war. Following Zinn's presentation, the speakers will join in a panel discussion followed by a conversation with the audience. Dr. Richard Keeling, a member of the Board of Directors of Emergency USA whose work links health and education, will serve as moderator for the event. A book signing will conclude the evening.

CHARTA, an international publishing company that has become a growing voice of humanitarian concern, is cosponsor of the event. The company has published books by Howard Zinn, Moises Saman, Michael Lally, and even Emergency's founder, the distinguished war surgeon Dr. Gino Strada.

LINKS:
http://www.HowardZinn.org
http://www.EmergencyUSA.org
http://www.ChartaArtBooks.it

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