Peacemakers Honored in Thought Provoking Exhibit

By Jessie Todd
Columbus POST Religion Editor

A riveting, introspective exhibit of the dream of three men of diverse
personalities and cultures, with a common philosophy and a vision of
inclusion for all faiths, cultures and races, began an international journey
as it debuted, for one week only, at the Ohio State University. Dubbed
Ghandi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Peace, the huge, freestanding panels of the
exhibit feature vivid photographs, inspiring quotes and factual information
about Monhandas K. Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Daisaku Ikeda. The
exhibit celebrates the lives of three great leaders who fought for a
non-violent and peaceful society.

The dream of a Christian, Martin Luther King, Jr.; a Hindu, Mohandas K.
Ghandi; and a Buddhist, Daisaku Ikeda, all men of peace, are visually
displayed in the exhibit. On his first visit to Columbus, Danny Nagashima, General Director of SGI-USA said, ³It is a great privilege to have the exhibit here at Ohio State onits first official stop on its international tour.² Nagashima donated one
hundred books on various topics to the O.S.U. Library.
The exhibit was created with the hope that by examining the lives of
these great men, viewers will come to realize, as did Ghandi, that ³We must
be the change we wish to see.² Additionally, it is hoped that by analyzing
the exhibit, viewers will find the principles the exhibit embodies within
the grasp of their own daily existence.

The ceremony opened with the African-American Voices, an O.S.U. Student
organization singing songs inspired by the leaders. Ian McIlraith, the
exhibit coordinator, followed with an explanation of the importance of the
exhibit. While working on the exhibit McIlraith said, among other truths,
they learned one trait was common to all three leaders was that in response
to the adversaries and resistance, each was a master of non-violence,
evoking it to the fullest.

Dr. Lawrence E. Carter, Sr., Dean of the Martin Luther King, Jr.,
International Chapel at Morehouse College, Atlanta, traveled to OSU for the
opening. He spoke on the wisdom of OSU president, William ³Brit² Kirwan, to
seek diversity, cohesiveness and inclusiveness at the University.
During his remarks, Carter praised O.S.U. president Kirwan¹s inaugural
address which urged a diverse cultural, racial and ethnic community at
O.S.U. He also had accolades for Columbus POST publisher, Amos Lynch, Sr.,
who, of all the newspapers in Columbus was the only one to print Kirwan¹s
speech in its entirely. He said for those reasons, O.S.U. was chosen as the
locale to kick-off the exhibit. Carter said during his comments, ³I am
convinced that we will never be at peace until there is peace among the
faiths.² Ghandi, King and Ikeda serve as role models for all who would be
the change they wish to see.

Four Columbus residents were chosen as recipients for the Ghandi, King,
Ikeda Community Builders Award for their commitment to ideals of
inclusiveness and diversity within the community. O.S.U. President Kirwan,
Columbus POST Publisher, Amos Lynch, Pastor Otha Gilyard of Shiloh Baptist
church; originator/co-sponsor of the largest sit-down celebration of the MLK
Breakfast, and Theodore (Ted) Celeste, former Peace Corp Director and former
Member of the Board of Directors at O.S.U. President Kirwan was unable to
accept his award because he was, appropriately, meeting with the organizers
of the African-American Heritage Festival which was held on O.S.U. Campus
May 14-20..

The powerful, thought provoking exhibit left O.S.U on May 28th, on the
second leg of a journey that will span the globe with its message of peace,
goodwill and non-violent social change.