The first #defyhatenow social media #peacejam took place in Juba, South Sudan, in 2015 and has become a key #defyhatenow milestone event since.

We use the #PeaceJam to mark the UN International Day of Peace. To “jam” for peace is to improvise peacebuilding without extensive preparation but to develop new ideas and ways of doing things spontaneously with the energy coming from the creative interaction of the participants. 

The broader #defyhatenow topic we hope to understand is; Why is it difficult to talk about racism? We are joining the United Nations in standing up against acts of hate online and offline, supporting the global calls for peace, and jamming with people from all over to look at new ways to end violent conflict. 

This year, we hope to explore: How racism affects the response to conflict and peace-building?