The team started the day early, running to the St Malachy Park. We were joined by children of St Malachy School, EXODUS, and a range of dignitaries and supporters. Deputy Mayor Walter Burnett and Traci Quin of Pink Hats Construction enthusiastically took the lead.
Children had prepared decorative artworks.
Everyone took turns to hold the Peace Torch.
A beautiful welcome banner inside the school!
Some children had very loud torch-shaped clappers to cheer us on.
At mid-morning we ran over to the Major Adams Community Committee building. The Committee was founded in 1997 by James "Major" Adams, whose efforts have spawned five generations of dedicated community leaders.
We were welcomed by the impressive and energising drumming of the Hornets Drum Line.
Many thanks to the children who assisted us throughout the day.
Inside the James (Major) Adams Community Committee building, Salil Wilson was introduced by Ken Butler, the Executive Director of the Major Adams Academy. Salil and the team gave a presentation about the Peace Run.
The team sang the Peace Run song and A New World of Peace. Both songs were composed by Sri Chinmoy.
We all took a moment together to focus on inner peace inside our hearts.
Lakesia Collins, Illinois State Senator, spoke passionately about her commitment to improving the lives of others. She is a strong supporter of social justice issues, including human rights, affordable health care, accessible education and public safety.
Harita presented the Torch Bearers Award to Senator Collins.
Traci Quinn from the Pink Hats Construction Company. Traci was presented with the Torch Bearer award for her outstanding services to the community. Pink Hats has a long history of building homes for underprivileged people.
Richard Williams was presented with the Torchbearer award for his work on violence remediation. He works together with Martell White and Charles King, who also received awards today.
Martell White receiving his Torchbearer award.
A group shot of all Torch Bearer award recipients. Terry Young was also scheduled to receive a Torch Bearer Award but was unable to attend. His Award was accepted by Walter Burnett Sr on his behalf.
Charles King receiving his Torchbearer Award.
Jessie White made inspiring comments about his experiences. Jessie is a lifelong educator, youth mentor, public servant and professional athlete. He is 92 years old and still actively involved with the Jessie White acrobatic group that he founded. Rev. Harris and Ken Butler look on.
The day was replete with mutual appreciation...
Following the morning ceremony and directly outside the hall, we were all treated to an awesome acrobatics exhibition by the Jessie White Tumblers, right on the sidewalk!
The Jessie White Tumblers with the Peace Run team.
Ken Butler Snr received our Certificate of Appreciation and World Harmony artwork. Derek is holding our Peace Torch. Derek is the leader of the Hornets Drumming group.
Left to right: Sevak and Sukantika of the Peace Run Team, DeVaughn from the Jessie White Tumblers, the current leader of the Jessie White Tumblers, then Jessie White. Beside Jessie is Gerome Altman, Executive Director of Exodus. Next is La Shawn K. Ford, member of the Illinois House of Representatives. Far right is George Owens of Exodus.
A moments rest after the acrobatics exhibition.
Left to right: David Whittaker, Executive Director and CEO of Chicago Area Project, Salil Wilson, Executive Director of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness Home Peace Run and Ricki Williams, Deputy Associate Executive Director at Chicago Area Project. Chicago Area Project has been providing valuable services to Youth and Community in Chicago for almost 100 years.
Margo Richmond with Palash. Margo started with the Jesse White Tumblers at the age of 9. She is now 72 years old and is working on a community initiative to protect first responders.
9 year old Empress with her mother Nedra and Margo Richmond.
At lunch time we gave a Peace Run presentation at Wentworth Gardens.
Singing and performing Sri Chinmoy's World Harmony Run song together under the shade of a tree.
Focusing on inner peace together.
Mrs Evelyn Bruce is President of the Local Advisory Council Wentworth Gardens Chicago Housing Authority and received the Torch Bearer Award for her lifetime of dedicated service.
The children had worked on a beautiful artwork together and presented it to us.
A Certificate of Appreciation and "World Harmony" artwork was presented to Wentworth Gardens representative DeVaughn Blevins. DeVaughn is an advisory council support team member.
We went for a short run together through the grounds.
The Peace Run Team demonstrated peaceful and unpeaceful behaviours.
The children enthusiastically participated in the presentation.
Two children having fun.
Gints ponders life from the playground swing.
A Peace Tree was planted at Wentworth Gardens' main entrance in 2012. We gathered for a group shot and couldn't help admiring how well the tree had grown.
Mrs Evelyn Bruce and Mrs Harris (left to right award recipients) were presented with Torch Bearer awards for their outstanding services to their community.
Our final meeting for the day was at the wonderful Gary Comer Youth Centre. We gave a presentation about the Peace Run and the South Shore Drill Team 6-8th graders showed us an impressive drill routine.
The beautiful smiles of the South Shore Drill Team.
