Another goal of BoPH is to enable students and teachers from diverse backgrounds to learn about each others cultures by planning events that showcase music, art, language, food and customs from around the world.

The Zulu singing group Thula Sizwe (their web site is  http://www.thulasizwe.com/) from South Africa are musical ambassadors for their  culture and their country. They are also members of the Bridges of Peace and Hope Project. This eleven man group has performed all over the world for nearly 20 years. The group, led by Abel Dlamini, formed when some of its members were working together in the mines. Singing has long been a survival mechanism for oppressed people and this was true in the mines in South Africa too. In the 1700’s and 1800’s when slavery was practiced in the United States, the slaves sang to keep their spirits up, communicate with each other, and express their faith.

Thula Sizwe tour the United States and other countries presenting concerts and educational programs that include traditional songs, costumes and dances. They tell stories from their homeland and they reach out to learn about the new places they visit. While on tour, members of Thula Sizwe stay in the homes of host families. In addition to being world class singers and dancers they are an extraordinarily kind and humble group of human beings. Bridges of Peace Hope members in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts have organized family concerts and school programs to showcase these talented performers, and to facilitate cultural exchanges.

Sankofa, an African and American drum and dance ensemble, led by Master Drummer Kofi Donkor, has also participated in several Bridges of Peace and Hope Cultural events. The group appeared in concert with John Farrell and Thula Sizwe in 2008 and plans are being made for a 2010 Bridges of Peace and Hope concert tour featuring Thula Sizwe, Sankofa, John Farrell and school children.

Thula Sizwe will be visitng the Northeastern United States in autumn of 2010.

For information regarding booking school programs or community events please contact John Farrell at hoperivermusic@yahoo.com