LennonOno Grant for Peace

LennonOno Grant for Peace is an award presented by Yoko Ono to honor her late husband John Lennon's commitment to peace and human rights. The grant is given to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion of peace and nonviolence, as embodied by John Lennon's music and activism, including his iconic songs like Imagine and Give Peace a Chance. The award is often presented at the John Lennon Peace Tower in Reykjavik, Iceland, and has been given to notable recipients such as Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison, and Brian Epstein. The grant is also associated with the Bed-Ins for Peace and the War Is Over! campaign, which were initiated by John Lennon and Yoko Ono during the Vietnam War.

Introduction

The LennonOno Grant for Peace was established by Yoko Ono in 2002, on what would have been John Lennon's 62nd birthday, to continue his legacy of promoting peace and human rights. The grant is presented annually on October 9, John Lennon's birthday, and is often accompanied by a ceremony at the John Lennon Peace Tower in Reykjavik, Iceland, which was built by Yoko Ono in 2007. The tower is a symbol of peace and features a time capsule containing wishes for peace from people all over the world, including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best. The grant has been supported by various organizations, including the United Nations, the Nobel Peace Prize, and the International Peace Bureau.

History

The LennonOno Grant for Peace has a rich history, dating back to the 1960s when John Lennon and Yoko Ono began their peace activism with the Bed-Ins for Peace and the War Is Over! campaign. The campaign, which included the famous Bed-In for Peace in Amsterdam and Montreal, was a call to action for people to come together and demand an end to the Vietnam War. The grant has continued this legacy, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion of peace and nonviolence, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama. The grant has also been associated with other notable peace activists, including Jane Fonda, Tom Hayden, and Daniel Ellsberg.

Recipients

The LennonOno Grant for Peace has been awarded to a diverse range of recipients, including artists, musicians, activists, and organizations. Notable recipients include Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison, and Brian Epstein, as well as organizations such as the Amnesty International, the Human Rights Watch, and the International Rescue Committee. The grant has also been awarded to individuals such as Aung San Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai, who have made significant contributions to the promotion of peace and human rights. Other notable recipients include Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger, who have used their music to promote peace and social justice.

Selection Process

The selection process for the LennonOno Grant for Peace is rigorous and involves a committee of experts in the field of peace and human rights. The committee, which includes Yoko Ono and other notable peace activists, reviews nominations from around the world and selects recipients based on their contributions to the promotion of peace and nonviolence. The selection process is often supported by organizations such as the United Nations, the Nobel Peace Prize, and the International Peace Bureau, which provide expertise and guidance. The committee also considers nominations from individuals such as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best, who have been involved in peace activism and human rights work.

Impact

The LennonOno Grant for Peace has had a significant impact on the promotion of peace and human rights around the world. The grant has provided funding and support to individuals and organizations working towards peace and nonviolence, and has helped to raise awareness about the importance of peace and human rights. The grant has also inspired a new generation of peace activists, including Julian Lennon, Sean Lennon, and Zak Starkey, who are continuing the legacy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The grant has been recognized by organizations such as the United Nations, the Nobel Peace Prize, and the International Peace Bureau, and has been awarded to notable recipients such as Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, and Justin Trudeau. The grant has also been associated with other notable peace initiatives, including the Peace Corps, the Red Cross, and the Doctors Without Borders.

Category:Peace awards