The Two Cindys I Love Dearly
A Prologue
When I received an email from Dr. Toni Shapiro-Phim asking colleagues to write messages or articles about “any aspect of (Dr. Cynthia Cohen’s [Cindy to all colleagues]) contributions to the broad field of arts and conflict transformation” on her retirement from Brandeis University, I turned into a potpourri of emotions – intimidated, honoured, sad and excited. Intimidated by the stature of Cindy’s professional work (what does one say about an individual who is larger than life), but at the same time deeply honoured to be asked to attempt this mission impossible. Sad because retirement can be such an ugly beauty, but also excited in the knowledge that Cindy cannot really retire and that this retirement is merely a transition into a different version of the same.
I met Cindy more than a decade ago, through a mutual friend, Ms. Kate Gardner (a New-York City-based community theatre practitioner, a social change activist and an advisor/coach to executives and owners). Our common belief in the power of the arts for social transformation brought the three of us together. Through the years, I have to come to know two Cindys – the larger-than-life consummate professional and the almost-shy humane over-kind individual. Rolled into one, the two Cindys become a compassionate transformative force of nature.
Cindy One: The Larger-than-life Consummate Professional
Cindy’s pioneering work in integrating the arts into peacebuilding practices has been nothing short of revolutionary. Her ground-breaking research, coupled with her visionary leadership, has redefined the boundaries of traditional conflict resolution methodologies. Through her guidance, numerous students, scholars, activists, funders and policymakers have been inspired to explore the intersection of the arts, culture, and peace, enriching the field with fresh perspectives and creative solutions. Cindy’s legacy in global peacebuilding, particularly within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is truly profound. Her unswerving dedication to bridging divides through art, scholarship, activism, and a multidisciplinary approach continue to be an indelible mark on the field.
At the core of Cindy’s work is her belief in the transformative power of art in conflict resolution. She recognizes art as a universal language that transcends barriers and speaks to the human experience in ways that words alone often cannot. Cindy’s approach is holistic, drawing from various disciplines such as psychology, sociology, political science, and the arts to offer comprehensive perspectives. She understands that sustainable peace requires multifaceted solutions that address social, cultural, and emotional aspects as much as political or economic ones. Through initiatives like the Peacebuilding and the Arts Program at Brandeis University, collaborative projects with global academic institutions, especially in Africa such as Maseno University, Maasai Mara University in Kenya and the University of Johannesburg in South Africa among others, she has cultivated spaces where creativity has become a tool for dialogue and healing, allowing individuals from opposing sides of conflicts to engage in meaningful exchanges.
Cindy’s scholarship, which is marked by a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in conflicts, has never been more relevant than today in the backdrop of numerous war drums across the world, including major intra and inter country conflicts such as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Sudan, Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine (Gaza/West Bank). In particular, her relentless efforts to bridge divides and promote understanding between Israeli and Palestinian women in the Boston area reflect her unwavering commitment to peace. By engaging in dialogue, fostering empathy, and encouraging creative expression, Cindy exemplifies how peacebuilding goes beyond traditional methods, encompassing both intellectual discourse and emotional connections.
As a Professor of Peacebuilding and Director of the Program in Peacebuilding and the Arts at Brandeis University, Cindy became a beacon of inspiration for students and colleagues alike. Her unwavering passion for promoting peace through innovative approaches has transformed the landscape of conflict resolution studies. Yet, her activism transcends academia. She is actively involved in on-the-ground peacebuilding efforts, collaborating with artists, community leaders, and grassroots organizations. Her commitment to fostering empathy, understanding, and reconciliation amid entrenched hostility is both courageous and inspiring. As a scholar and educator, Cindy is revered for her academic prowess and dedication. Her research, teaching and publications have significantly contributed to the theoretical framework and practical applications of arts-based peacebuilding.
Cindy Two: The Almost-shy Humane Over-kind Individual
Cindy’s personal attributes encapsulate the essence of her impactful work. Empathy sits at the core of her existence. Her empathetic engagement with individuals in normal social interactions and communities affected by conflict underscores her commitment to understanding their realities and needs. This empathy serves as a cornerstone of her very existence, ensuring that interactions are contextually relevant and sensitive. More often than not, I can’t help feeling that this very empathy makes Cindy feel the weight of the world more acutely than most of us.
Empathy allows Cindy to embody a steadfast commitment to social justice. Her passion is evident in her indefatigable efforts to bridge divides and address social issues through creative means, advocating for the voiceless and marginalized. On countless occasions, I have been privately amused by Cindy’s vexation at the slightest whiff of cultural insensitivity and incivility, conscious or unconscious.
Mentorship is an important aspect of social and professional growth. Cindy’s mentoring style is marked by deep committed compassion. She has nurtured countless friends, colleagues, students and other professionals, guiding them towards harnessing their potential in different spheres of life, particularly in the arts for conflict resolution and reconciliation. I am reluctant to wager even a dollar that some of us have not taken undue advantage of this compassionate commitment to mentorship.
Collaboration is a popular concept that is bandied around a lot, especially in cross/multi-cultural contexts. Its popularity belies the fact that fidelity to the concept is rare. Cindy is a genuine and an unapologetic practitioner of collaboration. Her collaborative spirit has fostered and continues to foster numerous partnerships between individuals, diverse communities, artists, activists, scholars and disparate organisations globally. Her ability to bring together individuals and collectives from different backgrounds for a common cause is a remarkable testimony to her commitment to genuine collaboration.
Cindy epitomises visionary leadership, which has led to the development of innovative methodologies that utilise the transformative power of the arts to address conflicts and promote healing. It’s little wonder, therefore, that she is an admired and respected pioneer in the field of arts and peacebuilding.
Critical thinking is always at the heart of transformative creativity. Cindy is a supreme innovative critical thinker. Her innovative thinking has been instrumental in reshaping personal relationships and approaches to conflict resolution. Her creativity and willingness to explore new avenues have expanded the horizons of peacebuilding practices. That said, Cindy’s innovative critical thinking has been and continues to be a source of her frustration and peeve in her collaborative work. More than a few times, Cindy gets to some planes way ahead of the rest and has to reign in her impatience as she waits for the rest to arrive. That too, I find amusing, challenging and inspiring at the same time.
An Epilogue
As Cindy retires from Brandeis University, her impact will continue to resonate through the countless individuals and collectives she has inspired and the frameworks she has established. Her emphasis on the importance of listening, empathy, and the creative process in conflict resolution serves as a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by division and strife. Cindy’s contributions stand as a testament to the enduring power of interdisciplinary approaches in building a more peaceful and compassionate world.
Having said all that, the most important thing I can say about Dr. Cynthia Cohen is that she is a genuinely good human being. It’s no exaggeration to say that Cindy has and continues to make the world a better place in which to live.