Holocaust survivor George Brent was a violin prodigy as a child, but he thought his career was over when he endured physical torture during the Holocaust and injured his wrist. Years later, he was invited to perform in a concert with famed entertainer Maurice Chevalier, who gave him some much-needed encouragement onstage.

Time and again, we at USC Shoah Foundation witness how young people strive to make a difference. From middle school students to college graduates, we’ve had the pleasure to work with people inspired by testimony in the Visual History Archive. These young people are creating change and developing plans to improve their own communities.

USC Shoah Foundation Center for Advanced Genocide Research, in collaboration with the USC Thornton School of Music, will be hosting scholars from around the world for two days of programming on Oct. 10 - 11 to highlight the use of music as a tool to resist oppression and spread awareness.