Sept. 16, 2019 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Poetry, crafts and movement will be used to mark the International Day of Peace at Grand Rapids Community College.
Activities will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 19 on the Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza, located between Fountain and Lyon streets. If it rains, the event will be held in the Raider Grill, on the second floor of the Student Center at 122 Lyon St. NE.
“This annual event is intended to educate and inspire individuals to do their part to improve the living conditions for all!” said event organizer Shavval Fleming, a professor in the English Department. “It's a day of cease fire, a day to celebrate with people across the globe.”
Fable the Poet, Grand Rapids’ Poet Laureate, will speak at the event’s opening. Maryann Lesert, associate professor of English and author of the novel “Base Ten,” will talk about how climate change and peace social action are linked at 11:45 a.m.
Participants can decorate cookies; craft with beads, origami and yarn; create chalk art; and try Zumba.
The U.N. General Assembly established the International Day of Peace -- often referred to as World Peace Day -- in 1981. While it is usually held on Sept. 21, GRCC is holding its observance on Sept. 19 to allow more students to take part.
Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for more than 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.