The fun filled and entertaining day included live performances from local school students, comments from elected officials, comments from clergy, comedy, music, banners, free give-a ways, autographs, arts & crafts activities (the busiest activity all day headed by Daria Bounds, Librarian, East Rancho Dominguez Library), family games, vendor booth(s) who shared resources, free food, a peace balloon release & pledge….and much more.
The special event which was translated (by Claudio Soto, Community Relations Specialist, Mayo E.S.) live from English to Spanish is the brain child of Rev. Charles Brown, his wife Minister Pauline Brown, and Lueders Park Director, Patricia Maloney as a way to gear up for International Peace Day on September 21st. After the Compton Peace Day idea was birthed a planning committee was formed (which this writer was honored to serve on) and met weekly for over two months leading up to the event. The International Day of Peace, a.k.a. “Peace Day” provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.
Special thanks: go to Rev., Dr. David L. Tate ., Founder, First Charity Missionary Baptist Church, City of Compton Parks & Recreation Dept., Mayor, Eric Perrodin, Councilperson, Lillie Dobson, Supervisor, Mark Ridley – Thomas, Senator, Rod Wright, U.S. Congresswoman, Janice Hahn, Sheriff, Lee Baca, Compton Sheriff Dept. (represented by Deputy Rafer Owens), Faith Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church, CUSD Superintendent, Darin Brawley, CUSD Board Member, Satra Zurita, Compton Fire Dept., Dr. Elena Farias & Karen Goldberg of L.A. Mental Health Dept., Dr. Nancy Eber, Professor CSDH Conflict Resolution Dept., Mayo Elementary School (students banner), Bishop Dr. Juan Carlos Mendez, Pastor of Centro Cristiano Bet-El, Walton Middle School (drum squad & band), Whaley Middle School (stepping group), Centennial High School Band & Drill Team, Mr. Groove (comedy), DJ Hamilton, WSS Shoes (free giveaways), Dollarhide Seniors (music & drama dept.), Crystal Wells (ministry), Cat-in the-Hat, Louis Burgers No. 2., and the Peace Day Planning Committee.
Vendors: Black Parent Union, Angels for Sight (provided free eye exams & glasses all day, Shea Hamilton) First Charity MBC Youth Dept., African American Advisory Parent Council of Lynwood, Family Love Outreach, Stephen Taylor, Author, Voices To Our Children, John Peoples, Reparations Rep, El Camino College Outreach, Latino Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff Youth Athletic League, East Rancho Dominguez Library, Cal State University Dominguez Hills Health Net, All Kids Dental & Braces. Apologies if anyone was missed. Contact [email protected]
The day ended with all in attendance being given a helium filled balloon and reciting the peace pledge “I pledge to use my words to speak in a kind way. I pledge to help others as I go throughout my day. I pledge to care for our earth with my healing heart and hands. I pledge to respect people in each and every land. I pledge to join together as we unite the big and small. I pledge to do my part to create PEACE for one and all”. What a wonderful event. Great work to all who supported this special day.
*SEE PHOTOS HERE: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hicksakapopeye