US Songwriters Demonstrate the Healing Power of Music
IAACP, United States – In times of trouble and turmoil, music has a powerful ability to comfort and console people, regardless of their background. To illustrate this capacity, the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) held a webinar featuring three artists who have used music to overcome adversity. The program was held on September 24, 2026, on the theme “Music as a Healing Agent.”
The global director of IAACP, Mr. David Eaton, gave a short introduction about the goals and vision of UPF and its founders, and how the arts can assist in the pursuit of socio-cultural betterment. He cited how the UPF founders have continuously emphasized the moral power of the arts and how artists have a responsibility to use their talent in responsible ways. He then introduced the three panelists, all of whom he has worked with in recent years.
Ms. Kyla Powers is a songwriter and producer who performed with the choir at the “Peace Starts With Me” rally at Noel Jones’ City of Refuge Church in Los Angeles in 2019. Ms. Powers has written a Broadway musical called “Rejoice!” A song from the musical, “There’s Rainbow,” was presented during the webinar, after which Ms. Powers shared the theme of her musical. She explained that the rainbow signifies the covenant between God and humankind, and that through faith in God people can overcome their difficulties and become hopeful for better families, communities and the world.
Sgt. Elizabeth Quinones served in the U.S. Marines from 2001 to 2007 and was a first responder after the 9/11 attacks in New York in 2001. She has performed as a professional singer in numerous venues including the United Nations, Madison Square Garden, the New York Stock Exchange and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Sgt. Quinones shared how she considers her gift of singing to be a vehicle to heal and inspire people in their times of hurt and despair. She also performed at the “Peace Starts With Me” rallies at Madison Square Garden in 2017 and at the Nassau Coliseum in 2019. She presented two music videos featuring her vocal performances.
Mr. Marcus Knight is a military veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, Army and the National Guard. He was also a first responder after the 9/11 attacks in New York in 2001. He has worked as a producer and songwriter in the realm of gospel music. He is the founder of the Make America Kind Again (MAKA) initiative, which focuses on civics education at the elementary and high school levels. Mr. Knight shared part of his life story, especially how finding purpose through music and his MAKA initiative, and his faith in God, have assisted in his own healing as well as the healing of others.
Mr. David Eaton concluded the program with a music video of him conducting a performance in London in 2008 with members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Youth Choir, and the Global Peace Festival.
