Over the next couple of days Buffalonians will be orchestrating a number of peace rallies and efforts, coinciding with United Nations’ International Day of Peace – Friday, September 21.
Later today (Thursday, September 20), a peace gathering will be held at Niagara Square. The Buffalonians Gather in Peace-Justice-Nonviolence spirit for Assembly will take place from 5:30pm to 7pm. The event is being orchestrated by organizations that include the WNY Coalition of Peace-Justice-Nonviolence Advocates; Organized by the WNY Peace Center, Riverside Salem; Pax Christi of WNY, SSJ Sr Karen Klimczak Center for Nonviolence, NYers Against Gun Violence, Franciscan Sisters of Stella Niagara, Stop The Violence Coalition; Affirmed/Cosponsored by over 150 local groups in the last 5 years, including Poor People’s Campaign – WNY, Network of Religious Communities, Interfaith Peace Network, CEJ, Food For All, NAACP, and VOICE Buffalo.
“The Time is Now to end the violence: of poverty, racism, war, to immigrants, women, the marginalized, and to Mother Earth. Let us put people and the planet before profits, and act for the benefit of the Seventh Generation from now. We will develop a culture of peace!” – Rally Organizers
The 5th annual gathering, dedicated to “Celebrate Peace, Justice, and Nonviolence (the Principles and the Spirit) will feature:
- Music – including WNY Resistance Revival Chorus at outset
- Speakers – mourning for those lost to violence here and everywhere
Buffalonians Gather in Peace, Justice, and Nonviolence
Thursday, September 20, 5:30pm – 7pm
Niagara Square, Buffalo NY
Lead image courtesy WNY Peace Center
On the International Day of Peace itself, the Unity of Buffalo Welcoming Team and WNY Peace Center will be hosting an event known as Unity of Buffalo Celebration of Peace. This multi-layered observance of peace will be held on Friday, September 21 from 6pm to 9 pm at Unity of Buffalo – 1243 Delaware Avenue. This observation and celebration will be dedicated to “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70” (the 70th anniversary of the declaration).
The Unity Welcoming Team has partnered with the WNY Peace Center to organize the event, with the message that it is imperative to “strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.” The free event will include music, food, and fellowship in honor of world peace.
Some highlights include:
- The WNY Resistance Revival Chorus
- Nan Hoffman – Folk singer and musician, with guests Joe Tumino and Kathy DeLoughry
- Labyrinth walk in our Unity Peace Park
- Soup n’ Salad – potluck of soups, salads and desserts
- Closing candlelight ceremony with a sing-along of “Imagine”
Schedule of Events:
- 6 PM – Unity Peace Pole Gathering & The WNY Resistance Revival Chorus
- 6:30 – 7:00 PM – Labyrinth Walk
- 7:00 – 7:45 PM – Soup n’ Salad (potluck of soups, salads and desserts)
- 7:45 – 8:30 PM – Nan Hoffman Acoustic Performer, with guests Joe Tumino and Kathy DeLoughry
- 8:30 – 9:00 PM – Closing with candlelight and the song “Imagine”, honoring world peace
The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70
Friday, September 21, 2018
6 – 9 pm
The local Buffalo Chapter of the global movement Anonymous for the Voiceless is holding a “Cube of Truth” demonstration at Bidwell and Elmwood, Friday evening from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. Please stop by for more information and to witness peaceful street activism and outreach. This event is weather permitting.