A small team ran 4 miles from our Peace Run Headquarters in Queens to Roy Wilkins Park. We were thrilled to be joined once again by our good friend, Jason Corley.
Meeting new friends along the way!
The tulips brightly greeted us on our arrival at Roy Wilkins Park.
The Peace Run joined in celebrating the first Earth Day held in South Jamaica, Queens at Roy Wilkins Park on Sunday 20 April. Sponsored by Council Member Nantasha Williams and NYC Parks, under the administation of Susan Friedman Diaz for Roy Wilkins, the team joined in a range of free fun activities which included the BioBus, speakers, planting projects and games.
Two sisters and family all smiles for peace!
Opening the event with a brief run, the team held the lit torch on stage while Salil spoke about the significance of love as the key relationship between The Peace Run and Earth Day.
A big heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors but particularly to Susan Friedman Diaz, whose generosity, enthusiasm and know-how made this such a warm and meaningful event.
A small but lively group learned a Peace Run song spreading their arms wide under a cloudless sky.
Jason, our Peace Run teammate, seen on stage with co-sponsor State Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman’s team behind.
Throughout the day, people stopped by our table to learn more, hold the torch, play games or write messages of peace.
Park Security Officers share a moment of peace
A member of the NYC Parks Youth Rangers, a program for young environmentalists ages 14-17.
Monika Serrano of Turner Construction and speaker on Green-Clean Construction with daughter Bianca.
We made many new friends!
Friends from “Peace is a Lifestyle” hold the torch at our Peace Run Table.
Bhikshuni holds the torch with good friend Cassandra A. Johnson, candidate for Queens Surrogate Court Judge.
Following Earth Day, the Team takes a short walk for a group photo with friends in front of the Black Spectrum Theatre for a Torch Bearer Award Presentation to founder and executive Director, Carl Clay.
Cassandra A. Johnson joined us for a team shot ;)
The staff quietly seats the team for the final scenes of the hit show “Natural Woman”, about the great “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin before the presentation.
The Team stands before a full house to present the Torch Bearer Award to Carl Clay, visionary playwright, director, filmmaker and pioneer of African-American theater.
Ganapati Coleman speaks about Carl - the tireless advocate for peace, equality and social justice before presenting him with the Torch Bearer Medal.
Carl Clay receives the Torch and certificate from the Peace Run Team.
Carl addresses the audience about Sri Chinmoy oneness with the South Jamaica community from his early days in Queens, as well as his ongoing work for peace throughout the world.
Looking every bit the Peace Runner in blue, Carl leads the team out at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Across the street at “The Wild Onion” Caribbean restaurant, the Team shares stories and words of appreciation at the final dinner of the Queens Local Peace Run.
The meal was delicious!
A big thank you from the team to local Coordinators, Ganapati, Lunthita, Kovida and Bhikshuni for organising such a wonderful week of events in Queens!
Peace I feel In infinite measure When my life becomes The fragrance Of my gratitude-heart. -Sri Chinmoy
