A week ago, the Asheville City Council proclaimed September 21 as The International Day of Peace. On that day Asheville will join a global collection of towns and cities also celebrating the idea and pursuit of peace. The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on the same date. The United Nations General Assembly declared the first peace day in 1981. According to local peace activist Colin “Papa Bear” Neiburger, the UN established the day in order to “strengthening the ideals of peace.”
The theme chosen for this year is “Dignity for All”. “If even for one day we can come together and live in peace we can build a culture of peace forever,” said Neilburger.
In Asheville, WNC4Peace, a coalition of Peace Makers is sponsoring three days of activities, as well as the proclamation signed by City Council, to celebrate The International Day of Peace.
Announcement from WNC4 Peace:
WNC4 Peace announces an exciting weekend of activities in Asheville and Black Mountain, September 19-21, as communities around the globe celebrate International Day of Peace. This newly formed coalition of peacemakers represents all aspects of peace including spiritual community organizing, and focus on international issues.
Leading off a long weekend is the public event Thursday, September 18, 7 PM Labyrinth Walk at the Center for Spiritual Living off Sand Hills Road.
Saturday, September 19, at 6 PM at YMI, 39 Market St. in downtown Asheville. As part of the “Americans Who Speak the Truth” exhibit,” a portrait of Rev. William Barber of Moral Monday fame, will be unveiled for the first time as a new addition to the esteemed heroes on display in this exhibit. Mountain People’s Assembly is hosting this event with YMI.
Sunday, September 20: 1 – 5 PM: WNC4 Peace and Peace Sponsors will host “The People’s Peace Festival” at the French Food Co-op on 76 Biltmore Ave. Music, and an assortment of activities are still being put together for families and activists. Also, Rev. William Barber is expected to be in Asheville for the “Americans Who Tell the Truth Exhibit” at YMI on that day. WNC 4 PEACE organizers have voted him its Peace Maker of the Year Award.
Also on September 20, at 2 PM: Dobra Tea at 120 Broadway, Black Mountain, will be celebrating Tea for Peace. Events include face painting; live music by Company News, free yoga, art and poetry readings will fill the day.
Monday, September 21, 11:30 AM – to 1:30 PM: WNC4 Peace and Peace Sponsors will host the “International Day of Peace Celebration in downtown Asheville at the Peace Pole near Asheville City Building (Behind Pack’s Tavern). Peace activists along with Geri Littlejohn and musicians David LaMotte and Rhoda Weaver will sing songs of hope, inspiration, and peace with people of diverse beliefs in a troubled world. The celebration will end with a meditation and the release of White Doves, and a Walk for Peace for those who wish to participate.
Full Monday, September 21 International Day of Peace Celebration activity schedule:
10:30 a.m. Volunteers assemble at Peace Pole sites to set up
11:30 a.m. Public gathers as Geri begins playing flute.
11:35 a.m. Emcee Jeff Messer begins event, with background about Peace Day and what participants can
expect.
11:40 a.m. Proclamation is read by Buncombe County State Delegation
11:50 a.m. Moment of silence led by Bonnie Willow of the School of Peace
12 noon Bells toll
12:05 p.m. Rhoda Weaver sings
12:15 p.m. Dances of Universal Peace
12:35 p.m. Reflections from Peace Leaders*
12: 50 p.m. David LaMotte (Speak and sing)
1:15 p.m. White Doves Release (Rhoda sings or Geri plays flute)
1:20 p.m. Event concludes. Peace March (optional) begins
*Joy McConnell, Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville
Robert Zackary, Healing Love Institute
Himayat, local Sufi community
Rev Amanda Hendler-Voss, pastor United Church of Christ
Bonnie Willow will lead us in meditation.
This is so important to our community, our world and our souls! Join us all for a terrific celebration of new peace agreements, choosing peace instead of war with Iran, the many small businesses in Asheville that focus on inner peace, the many nonprofits that work for peace in our community , our environment, our workplace and among those of a myriad of races, religions, sexual orientations, gender and all our other “differences” that make peaceful living and loving so necessary. Thans for this important news story, Mountain Xpress and Able.