On Wednesday, September 21 at 5 pm, please join the Council on Aging’s Social Justice Group in observing the International Day of Peace. Select Board member Laurie Bent will moderate panelists Rev. Alicia Velez Stewart and Rev. James M Hairston on this year’s theme of “End Racism. Build Peace.”

The International Day of Peace is observed around the world each year on September 21. The UN General Assembly declared this a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

From the UN website:

“…achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.

As Secretary-General António Guterres has said:

“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”

As conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, causing people to flee, we have seen race-based discrimination at borders. As COVID-19 keeps attacking our communities, we have seen how certain racial groups have been hit much harder than others. As economies suffer, we have seen hate speech and violence directed at racial minorities.

We all have a role to play in fostering peace. And tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute.

We can work to dismantle the structures that entrench racism in our midst. We can support movements for equality and human rights everywhere. We can speak out against hate speech – both offline and online. We can promote anti-racism through education and reparatory justice.

The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.” UN site.

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The program will be held in the Community Room of the Weston Public Library, 87 School Street.