Inaugural Visit of Tai Ji Men to New Orleans: Local Youth Delight in the Experience of Martial Arts Culture
The three-day World Conference of Mayors (WCM) "United Nations of Cities" Collaboration Conference took place in New Orleans. On the afternoon of August 3, a youth program was held at the Health Club of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group, consisting of six organizations, including Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy (Tai Ji Men) and the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), participated in this program. A highlight of the event was Tai Ji Men's impressive martial arts demonstration, showcasing their rare skills to the delight of the audience.
The Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group participated in the World Conference of Mayors in New Orleans, conducting a youth conscience education program with cultural performances of dance, music, and martial arts.
Tai Ji Men's captivating presentation brought mesmerizing heroes and heroines from movies to life in New Orleans, offering an enthralling experience to local youth and parents. The martial arts moves blended seamlessly with dancing and singing, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group presented the Lantern Dance. The warmth and brightness of the lanterns symbolizes that with the guidance of good teachers and friends, life would be much brighter.
More than 100 participants joined the event, all of whom meditated for one minute and prayed for the world in support of the United Nations-designated International Day of Conscience. Gifts of conscience were presented to two model youths, Brandon Woolridge and Jordan Brown. Drug-free activities were introduced. The joyful and energetic atmosphere inspired young people to face life's challenges with positive energy of love, courage, and hope.
Members of the Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group led all attendees to support the movement of An Era of Conscience and International Day of Conscience.
The World Conference of Mayors "United Nations of Cities" Collaboration Conference, convened under the theme of “WE ARE TOGETHER, Collaborating for Peace, Love, and Economic Prosperity, in the Cities of the World.” This global gathering saw the participation of mayors, former mayors, elected officials, black policy-making organizations, and leaders and members of NGOs from various parts of the world. The conference provided a platform for these esteemed individuals to engage in invaluable practical exchanges and foster cooperation towards the shared goals of peace, love, and economic prosperity in cities worldwide.
Tai Ji Men presented the "Dragon Horse Dance," which combines kung fu movements, inviting all audience members to dance together, encouraging people to run towards their goals in life.
On August 3, in the afternoon, a special event was hosted by Bobby "Zorro" Hunter, a former Harlem Globetrotter and the founder of Empowerment Through Recreation. He extended a warm invitation to Tai Ji Men and FOWPAL to showcase captivating cultural performances comprising martial arts, dance, and singing. Additionally, an educational program on conscience was presented, creating an engaging platform for interaction with local youth and parents.
Local youth from New Orleans had a great time experiencing martial arts moves that combined dancing and singing.
The two organizations commenced the event by delivering the heartfelt song "The Angel in Your Heart," encouraging the young audience to listen to their inner voices and discover the loving and joyful angels residing within them, thus spreading positive energy to the world.
Local youth from New Orleans had a great time joining the Dragon Horse Dance, which combined dancing and martial arts.
Subsequently, the mesmerizing Tai Ji Men Martial Arts Formation took the stage, seemingly transcending time and space. The performance left the audience in awe as it seamlessly integrated rare and ancient weapons and kung fu fan into the graceful and unpredictable movements of chivalrous heroes and heroines. This breathtaking display conveyed the virtues of bravery, positivity, and the indomitable spirit of martial arts.
The Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group presented marital arts performance, encouraging everyone to foster the spirit of martial arts--stopping conflicts and promoting goodness.
The Cultural Goodwill Group's members emphasized that the highest level of martial arts revolves around “stopping war and achieving peace” by finding inner tranquility, understanding the importance of balance in navigating the world, and assisting others. They wholeheartedly supported the movement of "An Era of Conscience" and the "International Day of Conscience" initiative. At the event, all attendees took part in a one-minute meditation, uniting in prayer for the well-being of the world. Among them, one child expressed a wish for joy to envelop everyone, while another child's heartfelt desire was for an end to all wars.
On the first day of the World Conference of Mayors, United Nations of Cities Collaboration Conference, a conscience education program for youth was organized.
Tai Ji Men members played an active role in inspiring the youth to heed their conscience, as it acts as a compass guiding them to make virtuous choices and transformative decisions in crucial moments, thereby positively impacting their lives.
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze (first from left), president of FOWPAL, presents a gift of conscience to a model youth, encouraging youth to become their own conscientious leaders and create a more meaningful and rewarding life.
Two exemplary young individuals, Brandon Woolridge and Jordan Brown, were honored with awards, inspiring them to become leaders of conscience. This recognition served as a catalyst for personal transformation, enabling them to tap into newfound energy and wisdom. Their aspirations are expected to craft a life filled with purpose, value, and illumination, not only for themselves but also for those around them.
Furthermore, Tai Ji Men showcased the mesmerizing "Dragon Horse Dance," a captivating performance that fuses kung fu movements, symbolizing the courage of the Dragon Horse charging towards a promising future. The members of Tai Ji Men warmly encouraged the attendees to join in the dance, igniting inspiration among all attendees to stride confidently towards their life's aspirations and objectives.
A former Harlem Globetrotters basketball team, together with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, and enthusiastic youth engaged in an enjoyable basketball game. To create a healthy and nurturing environment where everyone can flourish and thrive, Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, president of the Americas Chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, shared a thoughtful awareness campaign focused on safeguarding young people from the detrimental impacts of drugs within their communities.
When interviewed, Alberta McCrory, Mayor of Hobson, Alabama and President of the Historic Black Towns and Settlement Alliance, said that she was expected about this cultural exchange program and would like to replicate this in her community and other communities to foster love, peace, and mutual understanding.
Members of the Cultural Goodwill Group hail from various corners of the globe. Among them is Yi-Hsin Liu, who comes from Florida and achieved the esteemed title of Miss Global City Taiwan 2019 1st Runner-up and Best Popularity. Her allure is matched by her outstanding academic performance, having been honored with the prestigious Best University Student Research Award at the 15th Academy for Global Business Advancement Conference.
Yi-Hsin Liu embarked on a journey with Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the president of FOWPAL, traveling across the world to promote love and peace while engaging in cultural exchanges for the betterment of society. Through these endeavors, she came to recognize the profound significance of "universal love" and the importance of embracing diverse cultures and nations.
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