Nobel Peace Prize winner, celebrated author and noted international humanitarian Rigoberta Menchú delivered a speech at Vanderbilt University’s Benton Chapel Thursday, Feb. 7, entitled “Healing Communities Torn by Racism and Violence.”

Menchú began her speech by describing the crimes against humanity that she personally has experienced in her life such as the murder, torture, rape and disappearance of family members. She found it “incomprehensible” that humans have such a capacity for evil. Menchú also condemned the racism, abuses of power and the corruption present in both her country and around the world.

In order to correct the wrongs of society, Menchú promoted “healing pain with a positive attitude.” The way to escape from the hate, anger and pain of injustice, she said, is to heal oneself through helping others. She stressed the importance of community, grassroots leadership and the development of close personal ties with fellow citizens. Menchú also felt that the cultivation and education of tolerance in youth was vital to the creation if a better world.

The best way to affect positive change, according to Menchú, was the ability to work together to “restore our dignity.” Communities, neighbors and nations can only reverse the damage done in the world through a “commitment to humanity.” Menchú defined this commitment as respect for others and feeling the indignation of injustice. She emphasized the fact that one does not need to directly suffer violence to make a stand against it. Her ultimate message was one of immediate action because “the future is today, it starts today.”

Menchú’s appearance is part of a series of special events titled “A Place for the Humanities” in celebration of Vanderbilt University’s Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities 20th anniversary. The center promotes interdisciplinary research and study in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Because cooperative study in higher education is crucial to the modern university and the society it influences, the center is designed to intensify and increase interdisciplinary discussion of academic, social, and cultural issues.

Menchú’s lecture was presented in conjunction with the exhibition "Of Rage and Redemption: The Art of Oswaldo Guayasamin" at the Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery. For more information, go to www.vanderbilt.edu/gallery/guayasamin.


Contact: Nicolette Wilhide, (615) 322-NEWS
nicolette.m.wilhide@vanderbilt.edu