Dozens of groups pledge to help make Cleveland a City of Peace and Non-Violence
(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/4/2010) – On October 2, 2010, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Cleveland Chapter joined with more than 20 local social service and peace and justice organizations in a kick-off event to designate Cleveland as a City of Peace and Non-Violence.
The event coincided with the observance of the 141st birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and also commemorated the life of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The kick-off was hosted by the Federation of India Community Associations.
The kick-off brought together a diverse group of speakers to help launch a city-wide non-violence pledge and a cyber wall of signatures of those vowing to promote peace and justice in the City of Cleveland. The Rev. Marvin McMickle of Antioch Baptist Church gave the opening address.
“We offer our full support to this visionary initiative for peace.” said Julia A. Shearson, executive director of CAIR-Cleveland. “The cyber wall for peace is a great idea because it teaches that every person must join together to build a truly peaceful city.
To sign the pledge, go to: http://www.clevelandpeople.com/other/pledgethx.htm
Organizations joining the cyber wall kick-off event included: The ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County; American Indian Education Center; Black on Black Crime; Catholic Community Connection; Cleveland Peace and Non-Violence Network, ClevelandPeople.com; Cleveland Rape Crisis Center; Cleveland UMADAOP; Commission on Catholic Community Action; Council on American-Islamic Relations; Federation of India Community Associations; India Cultural Garden; InterAct; International Community Council; Peace in the Hood; and others.
For more information, contact CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, jshearson@cair.com, 216-830-2247 or 216-440-2247.
CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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