Peacing it Together

Promoting Peace and Justice through Stories and Music

Peacing It Together logo

Tony Brown singingTony Brown

Tony Brown was an international promoter of peace, internationally-acclaimed baritone and Hesston College artist in residence who used music and the spoken word to bring people together across the divides of race, culture and religion. His travels took him to countries such as Bosnia, Moldova, Northern Ireland, Uganda, Ethiopia, the Philippines, China, Japan, South Korea and Colombia, where he saw music transform and heal.

Brown served full time at Hesston College, his alma mater, from 2000 to 2015 in a variety of roles that met his personal gifts and professional aspirations. He was artist in residence, sociology faculty member, campus counselor and internal consultant for diversity and inclusion. In 2015, Brown retired from full-time work and moved to his childhood home area of Pittsburgh, Pa., while continuing in part-time work for Hesston College. Brown died May 22, 2023, after a brief illness.

Peacing it Together

Peacing It Together started as a joint venture of internationally-acclaimed baritone Tony Brown and Hesston College. With a shared vision of being catalysts for peace and social justice in both our local and global communities, Peacing It Together uses the unifying mediums of storytelling and music to inspire and engage communities in their own work.

Peacing It Together programs use the voices of people with lived experience – Hesston College students who come from more than 25 countries, faculty, staff and special guests.

Peacing It TogetherPeacing It Together allows Hesston College to extend its community and approach to connection with others who also desire a world with more understanding and compassion for all.

Hesston College

Hesston College is a private Christian college of Mennonite Church USA located in Hesston, Kansas. Guided by its mission, vision and values, Hesston College has long been committed to being a place that models true community working together to grow in understanding, respect for and appreciation of all people despite differences that might otherwise divide.

Hesston College students walking on campusHesston College is a diverse community within itself. With a student population of about 320, students represent 32 U.S. states and territories, 25 countries and 27 denominations and world religions. Even with the diversity of cultures, backgrounds and experiences, Hesston students and graduates consistently point to the supportive and accepting community and relationships formed as foundational to the Hesston Experience.

Peacing It Together programs include

  • Seeing Each Other’s Light
    This customizable program acknowledges the validity of different cultures and interfaith groups within a community, while also being part of a larger humanity. The programming can incorporate and highlight community members in addition to Hesston College performers.
  • Songs and Stories of Peace Hope and Justice from Around the World
  • Interviews
  • Student Peace Ambassadors
  • What Peace Means to Me

Support Peacing It Together

To offer financial support to Hesston College’s Peacing It Together program, give online and designate your gift to Peacing It Together.

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