Action Reports from Zanzibar; Washington DC; National Harbor, MD; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA, and More!
Zanzibar Peace, Truth and Transparency Association, World Peace Day 2022.
Zanzibar
On September 21st, a World Peace Day Celebration was held in the Mahonda North Region of Zanzibar. Organized by Zanzibar Peace, Truth & Transparency Association (ZPTTA), it brought together youth and community members for a rally and public talks. This event was part of the group’s long-term work to promote nonviolent solutions to social, economic and environmental injustice. Ali Mussa Mwadi, a peace activist and Executive Secretary for ZPTTA, writes, “Let us unite and work together to strengthen the capacity of children, young people and our Zanzibar community to make well-grounded ethical decisions based on values of a Transition to a Culture of Peace (Positive Peace) that promotes respect for other cultures and beliefs.” Mwadi also founded the Zanzibar City of Peace Youth Clubs Project which participated in the celebration.
Washington, DC
On September 23rd, Art Laffin took the message of Campaign Nonviolence to the gates of the White House. Art attended the weekly Dorothy Day Catholic Worker White House Vigil and demonstrated in solidarity with Campaign Nonviolence, holding a sign that read, “The moment of truth: stop the lies, end the wars, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction.” The vigil was held as close to the White House as possible, though the street and park were closed due to security reasons.
National Harbor, MD
On the eve of the International Day of Peace, and in solidarity with all who are participating in the coming days in Campaign Nonviolence and the Catholic Days of Action, Mike Walli, Bob Cooke, Jack McHale, Scott Wright and Art Laffin vigiled outside the annual Air Force Association (AFA) "Air-Space-Cyber Conference and Technology Exposition." The peace activists call this an "Arms Bazaar" and made their presence felt by weapons contractors and military personnel. During this faith-based event, they held banners and signs. They also conducted readings of the Beatitudes from Luke's Gospel and an excerpt from Dr. King's Beyond Vietnam Speech (April 4, 1967). A "Prayer of Exorcism and Conversion" was offered followed by a Reflection and Response (see below), and a recitation of the CPT Litany of Resistance and Pax Christi Litany of Repentance and Conversion. The group sang several songs beginning with "Down by the Riverside" and ending with "Vine and Fig Tree."
Reflection and Response: In these perilous times, let us live in the hope that Jesus offers: "All things are possible for the one who has faith." (Mk. 9:23) We beckon the holy cloud of witnesses and all peace and justice makers who have gone home to God and who are now advocating for us. Hope abounds in the actions of countless people worldwide who are seeking to make God's reign of justice, love and peace a reality. Let us redouble our efforts to do all we can to nonviolently resist the forces and systems of violence, racism, oppression and death and witness to the God of Life and Love as we strive to create the Beloved Community.
"Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade." (Pope Francis, September 24, 2015 speech to US Congress.)
World Rivers Day
On World Rivers Day, Backbone Campaign and allies working to restore the Snake River deployed banners in Bellingham, Olympia, Seattle, and Portland. Coordinator Amy Morrison writes, “People who love salmon and orca bannered on overpasses and other key locations in Portland, Seattle, Olympia and Bellingham. Light projection also happened in Portland, calling for "No More Blah Blah Blah - Breach the Snake River Dams" and "Salmon Extinction = Ecosystem Collapse". Bannering is an impactful way to reach thousands of people in just one hour. When standing at an overpass, you can actually look drivers in the eye and connect with them. Most are honking and waving their support! It is empowering to participate in.”
In Maine, Rivera Sun also recorded a message of solidarity with Backbone Campaign and allies’ efforts to restore the Snake River. Watch the message here>>
El Paso, TX
A Celebration of Peace with the Earth, Peace with Each Other, Peace Within was held on September 21st, the International Day of Peace, in El Paso, Texas. Read stories and see photos here.