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Activists in Philadelphia to Mark International Day of Peace with “Peace Day Philly”

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Activists in Philadelphia to Mark International Day of Peace with “Peace Day Philly”

Posted by Enough Team on September 18, 2015

Activists in Philadelphia to Mark International Day of Peace with “Peace Day Philly”

Editor's note: This blog was written by Enough Project intern Amanda Schmitt. Lisa Parker of Peace Day Philly also contributed.

September 21 marks the annual ​United Nations ​International Day of Peace, established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. This day is observed each year to reaffirm the collective commitment to furthering peace as an international community. Through diverse programs, events​ ​and ​calls to action, the International Day of Peace is an occasion to build a sense of solidarity, awareness of the current issues, and knowledge of ways to advocate for change. The UN General Assembly reinforced their commitment to the International Day of Peace by adopting a resolution in 2001 which stated that September 21 was to be a day of "global ceasefire" at all levels of society.

To celebrate the International Day of Peace, local organizers, ​activists, and leaders in Philadelphia, many of whom are interested in and engaged in anti-atrocity and genocide prevention work, are contributing to the 8 days of events making up Peace Day Philly​ 2015​. This program spans the week leading up to the International Day of Peace, culminating in a full day of events on September 21. From a Peace Walk at 10 a.m. to a sing-along and candlelight walk at 6:15 p.m., Peace Day Philly aims to bring the community together​ – not only in terms of joining cities worldwide in greater focus on peace, but also to take local and more globally directed action for peace. Other activities include remarks by professional basketball player and Philadelphia native, Wayne Ellington, and student presentations on social justice work.

Watch their highlight video to see ​the kinds of activities that will be part of Peace Day Philly​:

For more information about events and ways to connect, ​check out the Peace Day Philly website.

 

Not in Philadelphia? Check out the U.S. Institute for Peace's International Peace Day campaign website to learn more and get involved.