Action Reports From Joliet, IL; Owensboro, KY; Austin, TX; Rochester, NY; and Louisville, KY
During the Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, September 21-October 2, 2024, over 5,238 actions and events took place nationwide and around the world to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. Here are five stories from some of the groups and organizations that are part of the Nonviolent Cities Project.
Joliet, Illinois: On September 27, 2024, six peace activists gathered at Mother Teresa Catholic Academy in Joliet, IL, to plant a Peace Pole with the word “peace” written in numerous languages. This is one of around 30 peace poles that Pax Christi Seed Planters and Nonviolent Joliet have put up across the town. This action followed events on the International Day of Peace, September 21, during which the city council proclaimed Joliet to be a Nonviolent City. A peace walk and rally were also held on that day. See more.
Owensboro, Kentucky: On September 12, in advance of Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, but in the spirit of our call-to-action for nonviolence teach-ins, a film screening and discussion was held by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph and NonViolent Owensboro. The group watched Mighty Times: The Children’s March, a film about how young people marched for freedom in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963, to help integrate the racially segregated city. The Sisters gathered in the Rainbow Room of Saint Joseph Villa to watch the 40-minute film. They saw scenes of how police and firefighters turned firehoses on teenage protesters, eventually arresting thousands of them. The teens’ willingness to fill the jails in pursuit of racial justice broke the grip that segregation held in the southern city. Ursuline Associate Mary Danhauer and Sister Rebecca White with NonViolent Owensboro facilitated a discussion afterward. Danhauer, who helped form NonViolent Owensboro in 2016, said she wanted to share the importance of engaging all parts of society with nonviolence. “If the children can do it, then senior citizens can too,” she said. She asked the Sisters to consider who had the power during these times. Sister Pat Rhoten replied later, “The power is contained in those who have no fear.” Sister Claudia said, “I wonder if we would have had the courage that these young people had?” Connecting the film to the present-day efforts of NonViolent Owensboro, Rebecca White spoke about how NonViolent Owensboro members work on gaining an understanding of violence and nonviolence in their own lives. “Nonviolence is a real strategy, and it becomes a way of life,” she said.
Austin, Texas: On September 29, 2024, the Austin Peace & Justice Fest offered an afternoon of peace and justice themed music and speakers on a charming outdoor stage. Musicians included Jim Crosby, Andrew Crosby, The Therapy Sisters, Caleb de Casper, Parker Woodland, Neshama Alheem, Kiya Heartwood, Jon Dee Graham, Ray Prim, and Amethyst Jonquille. The event was organized by Nonviolent Austin with support from Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry. Participant Susan Van Haitsma wrote, "PeaceFest was wonderful! Truth and beauty in all the lyrics from every singer-songwriter, shared on the gorgeous Princeton Palace outdoor stage. Gratitude to all the organizers and artists for such an uplifting afternoon!" Enjoy the recordings here, here, and here.
Also in Austin, Texas: On September 27, 2024, Nonviolent Austin held its weekly Peace and Justice Vigil outside the state capitol. With large banners, music, and plenty of signs and posters for people to hold, they demonstrated to passersby on a range of issues, including calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and reminding people that nuclear weapons have been banned worldwide and are now illegal. "There was some mighty good singing going on in front of the capitol this afternoon!” said Susan Van Haitsma.
CNV Rochester, NY 2024
Rochester, New York: On October 2, 2024, the International Day of Nonviolence, the staff of the M.K. Gandhi Institute in Rochester, NY, paused their busy schedules to take a photo with Campaign Nonviolence’s I SUPPORT NONVIOLENCE stickers. The Gandhi Institute fosters nonviolence skills, conflict resolution, and social justice among students and community members throughout the Greater Rochester area.
Louisville, Kentucky: On October 2nd, 2024, numerous schools in Louisville, KY, participated in #ChalkItUpForNonviolence. Students took sidewalk chalk to parking lots and walkways to inscribe nonviolence-themed messages. They used quotes from Gandhi, King, and other change leaders. They drew images of peace signs, hearts, and flowers, sending out uplifting and encouraging notes to anyone who passed by. The action was coordinated by the Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion as part of their 10th annual 12 Days Toward Peace. Assumption High School wrote, “Our students decorated sidewalks outside of Assumption with quotes for peace and nonviolence, motivational kind words, and sketches of compassion!” The Francis Parker School of Louisville shared photos and encouraged people to check out the “beautiful chalk artwork some of our high school students did. The students drew and wrote words of peace and kindness to promote and encourage nonviolence.” A third school, Presentation Academy, took viewers on a video walking tour of the curving sidewalk filled with dozens of images and messages, saying, “Pres Girls took to the sidewalks to create images, messages, and symbols of peace with the ultimate goal of inspiring real-world action. It is our hope that each day we can all take steps toward creating a thriving nonviolent school, city, country, and world.”