28th Community Peace Celebration June 21

Happy beautiful June! This has been an exciting leap year, and it feels like we keep leaping through a Winkle in Time of historic and enchanting events, as well as sad and tragic events. For instance, the recent senseless murders of our first responders, increasing climate shifting storms, hurricanes, and deadly tornados, and the ongoing global wars and genocidal efforts have been toxic on minds, bodies, and emotions. There are things we all can do to reduce the negative tensions and hostile-like and immoral mindset that’s invasive in our country currently. On the other hand, we have been blessed with the best ever viewing of a total solar eclipse, a fantastic opportunity to witness a spectacular aurora borealis dancing in the night skies, and Minnesota sport teams are winners! We can enjoy the beginning of summer activities and events, celebrate and be thankful for the rain, sunshine and fresh air. We can be thankful and kind, first to ourself and then to others.

 

I was one of local residents of Rondo and Frogtown neighborhoods started the Community Peace Celebration 28 years ago to promote peace and unity following the tragic killing of a young girl due to street violence. Since that summer, community members and organizations continue this annual event focused on building a strong community and spreading a message of peace.

The 28th Annual Community Peace Celebration will be held on June 21 from 2-6 p.m. at Western Sculpture Park (387 Marion St.). This year’s theme is Joyful Insistence. With all that we continue to persevere through it is important that we hold fast to joy and insist on peace and unity in our neighborhoods, city and everywhere around this precious and beautiful world. 

We just try to celebrate the community. We are working to create joyful peace. bubbles instead of bullets. Come join us!

This free event welcomes everyone and offers live music, delicious food, useful neighborhood resources, and fun activities for all ages.

 Special keynote guest, Jim Embry of Kentucky will share his joy and justice journey. Transformation Speaker, Will Flowers will be returning as emcee extraordinaire. There will be exciting performances by singer/actress Tearra Oso, jazz band The Rondo All-Stars, traditional Mexica-Nahua cultural group Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, youth choir ComMUSICation, Cameroonian music artist Ewangson, youth leaders collective BYHAC Pop Up Team and many more.

The celebration continues to be a grassroots, all-volunteer, that is organized and funded by organizations and members of the community for the benefit of people in the community. This year’s peace partners include the Urban Farm and Garden Alliance, Minnesota Council of Churches, Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers (MAP), Public Art Saint Paul, Summit-U Planning Council, Capitol Region Watershed District, Renewing the Countryside, Mississippi Market, and Lyft. 

More at communitypeacecelebration.org.