Residents from Pittsburgh will gather in Market Square downtown Saturday, joining counterparts in 200 other U.S. cities and 64 countries in marking the United Nation's Day of Peace .
The grassroots international organization Global March for Peace and Unity is coordinating the campaign to spread the word the word on world peace.
“If we could possibly have one day without violence, perhaps that would give hope for two days or three days or hopefully, at some point, have a world without violence,” said Pittsburgh North People for Peace Chairperson Mary Sheehan.
Following the march, a performance by local Christian rap artist MadeSacred and singer Stephanie Kong will entertain the crowds, along with dancers from the Carpelz Center for the Arts.
On Sunday, the Pittsburgh North People for Peace will host the North Hills International Day of Peace Festival starting at 3 p.m. in North Park.
Sheehan said her group wanted to expand the celebration into a weekend of peace.
“Sunday seems to be the day that more people can participate,” she said.
The theme of this year’s festival is “Who Will You Make Peace With?”
“We’re looking at how we might individually make peace with people — our neighbors, our family.” Sheehan said. “But, on a larger scale, who might we make peace with internationally.”
A procession of world flags meant to educate the public about countries the U.S. is conflict with will kick off the activities.
“The festival is bringing people together people from the community and the larger community who are of a variety of cultural backgrounds,” Sheehan said.
All events are free and open to the public.
