Peace Day 2024: Actions for Peace

This past Saturday, September 21, 2024, Human Migration Institute (HMI), in collaboration with The Inland Communities Fellowship of Reconciliation (ICFOR), hosted their 9th Annual United Nations International Day of Peace event at the Community Settlement Association (CSA). The event, themed Actions for Peace, was a celebration of unity, collaboration, and the pursuit of peace, marking a tradition that helped form HMI (then Glocally Connected) nearly a decade ago.

The event was divided into two parts: a Peace Walk and a Peace Day Program, bringing together participants of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.

"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the action we take to resolve it." — Dr. Selin Nielsen

Peace Walk from Bordwell Park to CSA

The day kicked off with a spirited Peace Walk from Bordwell Park to CSA. Participants, ranging from ages 8 to 80, held up colorful signs they had created themselves, alongside signs provided by ICFOR that read "Peace is...". The 15-minute walk, filled with chants of "What do we want? Peace! When do we want it? Now!" spread a positive message throughout the neighborhood. Drivers passing by honked their support, and the collective energy of the group left a hopeful mood in the air.

Peace Day Program at CSA

Reverend Victoria Bomberry’s Land Acknowledgement

Once the walk concluded, the Peace Day Program at CSA commenced, led by our enthusiastic MC, Earl Bogan. A diverse range of local organizations partnered with HMI and ICFOR, each contributing to the day’s success, including the Riverside Interfaith Council, Center for Spiritual Living, Riverside Resistance Revival Chorus, Multi-Cultural Council of Riverside, Inlandia Institute, Civil Rights Institute, and more.

Reverend Victoria Bomberry of the Center for Spiritual Living opened the program with a thoughtful Land Acknowledgement on behalf of the Cahuilla people, grounding the event in respect for the land and its original inhabitants.

Marilyn Sequoia & Rose Monge, Co-Chairs ICFOR

Next, ICFOR co-chairs Rose Monge and Marilyn Sequoia spoke passionately about their commitment to peace and their ongoing work in the Inland communities. Their words were followed by Kevin Akin, a founding member of FORUSA, who blew the Shofar as a call to Peace, leading us into the global "Minute of Silence" observed around the world on Peace Day at 12:00 noon. This moment united us with others across the globe, offering a powerful reminder that peace is both personal and planetary.

The Riverside Resistance Revival Chorus then took the stage, donning their all-white outfits in honor of peace. Led by Kris Lovekin, they sang a moving rendition of "Dona Nobis Pacem" (Grant Us Thy Peace), inspiring the audience with their harmonies and message.

Kevin Akin blowing Shofar alongside the Riverside Resistance Revival Choir

HMI's own Media and Outreach Coordinator, Allison Severns, followed, sharing a heartfelt message and video about HMI’s local and global work with refugees. Allison then introduced our keynote speaker, Dr. Selin Yildiz Nielsen, whose speech, "Peace at Home, Peace Around the World," resonated deeply with the audience. Dr. Nielsen reflected on the origins of Peace Day and encouraged everyone to reflect on what disrupts their personal peace and how they can become advocates for peace in their own lives. She reminded us that "peace is not the absence of conflict, but the action we take to resolve it."

Dr. Nielsen’s Keynote Speech, “Peace at Home, Peace Around the World”

The event concluded with a unique and interactive activity called "Threads of Peace," led by HMI’s Teresa Hsu-Contreras. Participants engaged in prompts related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with those who responded positively receiving a colored thread to create an interconnected web. This visual representation of peace and togetherness left everyone with a renewed sense of hope and connection.

The day was a beautiful reminder that peace starts with each of us, and through collective ACTIONS for PEACE, we can build a better, more peaceful world. We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this important day and look forward to continuing this work in the future.