Students in Chicago's public schools took the opportunity to resonate with heartfelt messages in their communities for International Day of Peace. On this day, children from different schools united to emphasize the transformative power of spreading peace and love, and the necessity for safe spaces in their neighborhoods.
Peace Day is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and our responsibility to promote compassion in Chicago and around the world. I was fortunate to spend my first Peace Day celebration with our youth at Daley Plaza. You’re never too young to make a difference in the world. pic.twitter.com/zvN9fwVocy
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) September 20, 2023
At Sutherland Elementary School in the Beverly neighborhood, the day began with students gathering and singing in the school's peace garden. The sentimental lyrics of "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" filled the air as they hoped to bring about change in their community. According to a CBS News report, older students shared inspirational quotes about peace with their classmates, driving home the message that peace is not merely a concept to be wished for but to actively create and share with others.
In the same spirit, Libby Elementary School students were set to embark on a peace walk later in the day, spreading their message throughout the Back of the Yards neighborhood, as reported by CBS News.
Meanwhile, the Drummond Montessori School sought to bring art and creativity into their celebrations by having several homerooms make "artistic peace promises" using recycled materials. To further emphasize unity, the entire school gathered on the playground, forming a human peace sign. Fox 32 Chicago highlighted that these events aligned with the school's theme for the year, and continues the tradition of Chicago recognizing and celebrating Peace Day since 1978.
