peaceCENTER History
Fair-Well to Violence & A New Generation of Peace
1995, 1996
DOWNLOAD a PDF copy of the peaceCENTER archives on A Fair-Well to Violence.
(Well . . . as soon as we get them scanned . . .)
DOWNLOAD a PDF copy of the peaceCENTER archives about A New Generation of Peace.
(As soon as we get them scanned!)
Capitalizing on the success of the 1994 Gang Peace Summit and the energy it created, the planners — not yet the peaceCENTER — organized two more events.
Realizing that there was a great need for fundamental education about nonviolence, a Fair-Well to Violence was conceived. More than 2,000 people (including a 500-voice community peace choir) attended over the 13-14 October weekend. Arun Gandhi, grandson of M.K. Gandhi, was the keynote speaker. Conference speakers also included Carl Upchurch, ex-gang member and ex-convict, recognized nationally as a leader in efforts to end teen violence. People of all ages attended workshops on nonviolence, conflict resolution, mediation and peace training. A networking space for San Antonio social agencies and grassroots organizations was available. A “Month of Peace” was declared in San Antonio by the Mayor and City Council.
A year later, A New Generation for Peace was held (October 5, 1996) at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium. Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi; Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King; and Julie Rodriquez, granddaughter of Cèsar Chàvez, spoke to their experiences and family philosophies for a common vision for peace. Speakers, panels and interactive discussions throughout that day were designed to bring the community together to share information, to learn alternatives to violence, to be energized to work together, to reach across the generations and to empower all to be the new generation of peace makers in this time and in this place. October was again declared a “Month of Peace” by the Mayor and City Council. More than 1,000 people attended.