Naomi S. Feaste
The U.N. International Day of Peace is an annual event that reminds us that peace is a fundamental state of being desired by all human beings.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states, “no country is immune to the devastating physical and emotional effects of violence. Each year it results in over 1.6 million deaths worldwide; over 90% of which occur in [developing] countries. It is the leading causes of death in all parts of the world for those ages 15 to 44.” One example of this violence is Domestic Violence against women where, in the USA, a woman is beaten every 15 seconds by a current or former intimate partner. [US Dept. Justice Statistics, 2006]
This state of affairs is unacceptable as it insults individual human dignity and threatens the future and well-being of humankind. For this reason, Cultural Enrichment Services, Inc. of Raleigh is calling on everyone (especially community leaders) to pause on September 21st and acknowledge the importance of peace. The best way would be to publicly address violence and promote peace among your community on a regular basis. Take action in your community! Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) tells us, “Whosoever of you sees an injustice, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then speak against it with his voice; and if he is not able to do so, then hate it with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” Let’s do more than just hate it; we must become better agents of change.
Become a Peace Partner in your own way on September 21st.
