International Day of Peace and Day of Nonviolence

To be observed in Asheville September 21 and 23.

The International Day of Peace and International Day of Nonviolence will be observed on two days this fall in Asheville.

This year, organizers are seeking creative visions from youth by inviting school-aged children to share their ideas that celebrate peace and nonviolence on Saturday, September 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, 15 Overbrook Place, in East Asheville.

“Observing peace and nonviolence are joyous opportunities to build up communities and the world,” says WNC4Peace Administrator Rachael Bliss. “Therefore, we’re welcoming our younger peacemakers to bring their creative ideas to us, such as poetry, artwork, essays, or music that celebrate peace and nonviolence. They can participate as an entire class or as individuals. And everyone will be a winner no matter what type of art a student creates.”

On Thursday, September 21 a Peace Walk, also open to all, begins at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Haywood Road and Louisiana Avenue in West Asheville. Organizers ask participants to bring signs and voices to show how peace and nonviolence build communities through trust and love.

Dozens of local groups are endorsing the 2023 Declaration of Peace and Nonviolence, which will be read to the Buncombe County Commission and Asheville City Council meetings at their regular meetings.

Call (828) 505-9425 for more information on these events sponsored by WNC4Peace and Veterans for Peace, Western North Carolina.