More than 200 students, parents and community members marched for peace last week, trekking from Elder W. Diggs School 42 to Watkins Park.
Garry Holland, chair of the education committee of the Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch 3053 — which co-sponsored the event with School 42’s Ignite Achievement Academy and The Ubuntu Council — said the march is part of a holistic approach to educating the city’s children.
“It’s very important for the children to understand the words of peace, the words of love, the words of unity,” Holland said. “As a civil organization, it is our duty and responsibility to not only advocate for academy achievement, but also advance the emotional development and safety of our children and community.”
Principal Shy-Quon Ely II told local Fox affiliate WXIN that children at the school want and deserve a safe community and environment.
“We choose to use our voice to combat violence and to promote peace, well-being and a healthy environment,” Ely said. “Of course, many systemic and institutional issues underlie the violence in our community that is only a symptom of deeper underlying concerns, yet our young people made their voices heard by marching in the name of peace.”
Dr. Ivan Hicks, president of the Ubuntu Council at Elder Diggs, added: “We have to come together and let these young people know that they are strong. They’re stronger than anything that can keep them down and that they can achieve.”
Event organizers plan to hold another peace march in the spring.
