Race Amity Day celebrates 'Unity through Music'

The Baha’i Communities of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills will be observing Race Amity Day 2 p.m. June 8 at the Baha’i Faith Community Center, 6910 E. Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale. The theme for this year’s observance is Unity through Music.

Few things bring people together like music, which has been called the “language of the soul,” a press release stated. The Baha’i writings say, “The art of music is divine and effective. It is the food of the soul and spirit.”

This year, the program focuses on the healing and unifying power of music with performances from several cultural traditions: Native American, Middle Eastern, Classic American Jazz, African American gospel and classical music of Beethoven, Debussy and Gershwin.

Race Amity Day was established in 1957 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, according to the release. Today it is observed around the world by people from many different backgrounds working together to promote racial harmony. Each year in June, this day is celebrated in diverse ways — with discussions of vital issues, through service projects and by enjoyment of the arts.

The oneness of humanity is the pivot round which revolve all the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. It is at once a statement of principle and an assertion of the ultimate goal of human experience on the planet.

More than a century ago Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith, wrote, “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” It is a principle that issues naturally from the genesis and purpose of human existence.

The Baha’i community of Scottsdale has been observing Race Amity Day since 2013 and organizes workshops, seminars and dialogues every year as it regards racism as a major barrier to peace, which cannot be achieved without the recognition of the fundamental oneness of all peoples and the establishment of justice.