Amid escalating violence in the Middle East, several local groups are observing a “Day of Peace” on Sunday, Sept. 21.
The date has been dedicated by the United Nations as an International Day of Peace. It’s also been sanctioned by Asheville City Council, which voted unanimously Sept. 9 to declare the date a local Day of Peace.
“The ideal of peace embraces the deepest hopes of all people, and remains humanity’s guiding inspiration because the promotion of peace is vital for the full enjoyment of all human rights,” reads the local proclamation.
UNC Asheville is observing Peace Day with a free public series of campus events from noon until 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, including speeches, group meditations and music from Asheville Groove Collective, African Drum Ensemble and Makayan.
Meanwhile, in downtown Asheville, the local Peace is Possible group will show a film, Peacemakers, featuring international peace activists Jeremy Gilly and Prem Rawat. The free event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Handmade in America space at 125 Lexington Avenue, Suite 101, and will also include free refreshments and live music.
“I honestly feel the message for peace and consciousness on our planet is essential now. Look at all the wars that keep happening and all the innocent people and soldiers who suffer greatly from these conflicts,” says Ron Clearfield, one of the organizers of the Peace is Possible event.
The following video has been circulating ahead of Peace Day, featuring quotes on the topic of peace that have been expressed throughout the ages by various luminaries.
Please take note that when events like this, which others may want to attend, are scheduled for a Sunday, because there is no bus service many are unable to attend. If the organizers have to schedule these events on Sunday they should attempt to set up a ride share for people who do not own cars.
John Thank you for that suggestion about offering rides if event is on Sunday….or outside of transit hours! I am in total agreement and will make the suggestion to the organizing group!
Joy
The Asheville Police Department will almost certainly videotape this meeting, and will describe it (as they do other peaceful gatherings they have videotaped over the last decade) as part of ‘criminal intelligence’ like the Moral Monday gatherings recently. Be sure and look your best for the camera.