A former child soldier turned peace activist and hip-hop artist is coming to perform in Juneau Oct. 25-26.
Emmanuel Jal was born in Sudan and became a child soldier at just 8 years old. When he was 11, he escaped, one of the few in his group to survive the journey across the desert. He “eventually turned hatred and bitterness into a meaningful act of love and life through the healing power of music,” according to promotional materials.
[My Turn: The angel-inspired music of Emmanuel Jal and his Juneau performance]
Now a Canadian citizen, Jal has founded the We Want Peace Campaign, named after one of his songs (wewantpeace.org). He’s also the founder of the education foundation Gua Africa, which aims for peace through academic sponsorships to war survivors and refugees, construction of classrooms and the provision of items like books, pencils and salaries for teachers.
“Music is powerful. It is the only thing that can speak into your mind, your heart and your soul without your permission,” Jal has said.
Jal’s time in Juneau is sponsored by Juneau Veterans for Peace, Juneau People for Peace and Justice, KTOO, KRNN, KINY, Congregation Sukkat Shalom, Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, Juneau-Douglas High School, Juneau Unitarian and Universalist Fellowship, KBJZ 94.1 FM, Sarahgraphics Graphic Design, Thunder Mountain High School and Yaakoosge Daakahidi High School.
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