Profiles -- Stories about people who are making a difference
For artist Duffy Sheridan, painting is a means to “elevate the human condition”
Increasingly recognized for his contributions to the new “realism,” Mr. Sheridan is unambiguous about how his Bahá’í belief affects his artistic expression. (January-March 2007)
Veteran actor Earl Cameron brings a sense of world citizenship to UN role
When veteran actor Earl Cameron stood at the lectern in the United Nations General Assembly hall, portraying an African despot for the film The Interpreter, he had one of those strange moments where the larger reality of things snaps into focus.
In Canada, a start-up festival highlights creativity of Bahá'í filmmakers
As film festivals go, the "Cause and Effect Bahá'í Film Festival" was certainly not among the largest, most famous, or even best publicized of such exhibitions. But for what it says about the state of artistic creativity in the worldwide Bahá'í community, the November event is noteworthy in many respects. (October-December 2003)
In Russia, teachers embrace new ideas about moral education
Authors Maria Skrebtsova and Alesia Lopatina, drawing on Bahá'í principles, develop a series of primary school workbooks that are filling a critical need for moral education in former Soviet states. (July-September 2003)
From
literature to peace: a scholar who strives to be a bridge between cultures
Selected for the 2003 Juliet Hollister Award in recognition of "exceptional service to interfaith understanding," Suheil Bushrui joins the ranks of Nelson Mandela, Queen Noor, and Mary Robinson, among other recipients. (July-September 2003)
In Vanuatu,
a proving ground for coconut oil as an alternative fuel
Entrepreneur Tony Deamer shows that pure coconut oil can be used as an alternative to petroleum in automotive diesel engines. The result is an environmentally friendly fuel that might also help the local economy.
A medical breakthrough brings 'Star Wars' technology to remote hospitals
HAMILTON, Ontario -- Mehran Anvari first discovered his love for surgery in high school while dissecting frogs and other small animals. The founder and director of the Center for Minimal Access Surgery (CMAS) at McMaster University here, he is now among the world's leading practitioners of laparoscopic surgery. (January-March 2003)
In Fiji,
a new approach to the restoration of coral reefs draws notice
Marine scientist Austin Bowden-Kerby, inspired by Bahá'í principles on the relationship between humanity and nature, heads the innovative and successful Coral Gardens Initiative, which promotes a high level of community participation in the management of natural resources. (October-December 2002)
In Argentina, a Bahá'í-inspired NGO works to strengthen civil society in a time of national crisis
A Bahá'í-inspired NGO that focuses on training programs for strengthening civil society, UNIDA has seen an upsurge in interest in its programs since the Argentinian economic crisis began last year
Bahá'ís play key role behind the scenes in UNICEF concert at the UN Children's Summit
UNITED NATIONS - Hugh Locke and Jack Lenz have embarked on a number of collaborations, the most recent of which was the production of a major concert for world leaders at the United Nations during the United Nations Special Session on Children in May.
In London, the late Madame Rabbani is honored for contributions to conservation and the arts
LONDON, 15 June 2001 (BWNS) - The late Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, the preeminent international dignitary of the Bahá'í Faith, was honored at a tribute here on 15 May 2001. In attendance were some 150 prominent people, including HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. (April-June 2001 /OC 13.1)
Full-length feature film, inspired by the Baha'i writings, premieres in Australia
PERTH, Australia, 5 February 2001 (BWNS) -- A tale of love and oppression, set in Australia's Outback in the 1890s and focusing on the story of an Aboriginal girl and a group of Lutheran missionaries, had its world premiere at the Perth International Arts Festival today.
In Atlanta, USA, Bahá'í couples buck a trend of "white flight," consciously seeking to promote racial unity
When the Millers decided two and a half years ago to build a new home, they moved to this largely African-American district of southern DeKalb County in metropolitan Atlanta -- a move that runs against the decades-long exodus of white families from this area.
Madame Rúhíyyih Rabbáni, leading Bahá'í dignitary, passes away in Haifa
An author, filmmaker and lecturer who cared deeply for the environment and indigenous peoples, she held a preeminent position as a Bahá'í representative; millions mourn.
A "world-class" artist
who straddles two worlds: painting and
development.
Although the work of Geraldine Robarts has been featured in numerous art shows around the world, she spends much of her time, her energy and her considerable clout as an artist to promote the cause of village women in the Kitui District among humanitarian aid agencies here in Kenya's capitol. (April-June 1999 / OC 11.1)
In Norway, a classical composer strives for a new musical paradigm
Lasse Thoresen, well-known in his native country, integrates meditation and music within the complex framework of classical composition; a new CD and a book map out his intended direction. (April-June 1998 / OC 10.1)
Around the world, Bahá'í
youth workshops promote tolerance
After touring through 19 European countries in 12 months, members of the Diversity Dance Workshop were used to surprises, from finding a planned border crossing through Croatia impossible because of war to a quirky new minibus that had an unusual series of three flat tires. But the biggest shock came when several avowed "skinheads" became fast friends with the theater group, whose main message is that diversity is good. (July-September 1997 / OC 9.2)
With deep roots, the Bahá'í community of Russia survived a long era of Communist persecution
The connection between Russia and the Bahá'í Faith stretches back more than a century. In the mid-1800s, Russian diplomats made important interventions on behalf of the Faith when it faced a first round of persecutions in Iran. Turn-of-the-century Russian intellectuals studied and wrote about the Faith extensively, attracted by its progressive principles. And early followers established a thriving community in Russian Turkistan in the pre-Revolutionary era, building there the world's first Bahá'í House of Worship. (January-March 1997 / OC 8.4)
A distinctive comedic partnership:
Omid Djalili and Annabel Knight
LONDON -- Driving back home to Hounslow after a recent 20 minute standup performance at the Bearcat Comedy Club here, Omid Djalili was rather hard on himself.
Hoop dancing and world citizenship: meet Kevin
Locke
Known for his revival of the Lakota courting flute and the hoop dance, Kevn Locke, a tireless promoter of indigenous arts and human oneness, takes his art beyond traditional boundaries. (July-September 1996 / OC82)