ST. LOUIS (KTVI) – Students at St. Louis Job Corps Center partnered with students at Harris-Stowe State University to organize a peace walk through the city in celebration of the International Day of Peace. The walk ended in Forest Park where a rally was held.
Every year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. A day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
Many residents who participated say they are concerned about the violence around the world and right here in St. Louis. So far, the City of St. Louis police department has investigated 145 murders this year alone. Last year the city was rocked by a total of 188 homicides.
Many participants say with at least 3 more months to go this year, the harsh reality is the body count will rise. Participates shared their personal stories, dedicated to preventing and reducing violence from Afghanistan to the United States.
International Peace Day is observed in at least 36 states, in war zones and in other countries worldwide urging everyone to take steps that affirm peace as a real alternative to the violence.
In the spring of 2015, Job Corps students from across the nation came together to form a student-led antiviolence movement called Youth 2 Youth: Partners 4 Peace (Y2Y). One year later, and Y2Y has a presence at each of the 126 centers nationwide. Their annual Y2Y week kicks off on Monday and the St. Louis Job Corps Y2Y is joining other students and community organizations nationally to recognize the International Day of Peace by holding peace walks.
