Wayne State University Center for Peace and Conflict Studies will host the “Peace In The Streets” conference April 20-21 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Wayne State University. The event is sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Detroit and Ann Arbor along with Rotaract youth and Conference Organizing Committee.
The aim of the Peace in the Streets Conference, which is geared toward high school and college students, is to help us understand the roots of local violence, and to discover potentially constructive solutions and prevention strategies applicable to our own lives. Organizers hope participants will leave the conference with a better understanding and a more open mind than before.
On Sunday, April 22, the “Peace Weekend” culminates in the annual CPCS Max Mark-Cranbrook Peace Lecture and Peacemaker Awards, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at downtown Detroit’s historic Fort Street Presbyterian Church. This year’s lecture, by Global Peacemaker Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, will focus on his book’s theme, “I Shall Not Hate.”
The cost is only $15 for students and $30 for adults. Lunch is included.
To register, log ontohttps://www.eply.com/DetroitPeaceInTheStreetsAPeaceBuildingConference2336808
Keynote speakers
Izzeldin Abuelaish
Izzeldin Abuelaish, often referred to as “the Gaza Doctor” in the media, is a Palestinian medical doctor and infertility specialist who has dedicated his life to peace in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Dr. Abuelaish became famous and inspirational when his daughters were killed in his arms in an Israeli bombing attack on Gaza about 10 years ago, and he immediately called Israeli TV news and went on the air pleading for peace. Since then, now residing in Canada, he established a foundation and has campaigned relentlessly for that goal. He has written a critically acclaimed book called “I Will Not Hate”. Currently, Dr. Abuelaish is an Associate Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Canada.
Jamon Jordan
Jamon Jordan is a historian, activist, and educator and the President of the Detroit Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He also runs Black Scroll Network History and Tours offering presentations and lecture tours dealing with African American History, including sites of interest in Detroit, such as Detroit’s Underground Railroad and the historic neighborhoods of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.
Barbara L. Jones
Barbara L. Jones, lifelong Detroiter, mother/grandmother, youthviolence prevention advocate, community activist/organizer is the Community Dispute Resolution Specialist and Faculty Instructor for the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies Program at Wayne State University. She serves as Program Director for the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute, a program that delivers expertise training in a higher learning academic setting that provides high school youth development services that focus on civic engagement, conflict resolution intervention, violence prevention, bullying, diversity, civil rights, race relations, negotiation, leadership, international affairs, diplomacy, social justice and crucial life skills and tools teaching students how to foster peace within their own schools and communities. Barbara has a B.S. degree in Mass Communications from Rochester College, M.A. degree in Conflict/Dispute Resolution from Wayne State University and graduate certificate in Peace and Security Studies from Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Wayne State University.
Pastor Barry Randolph
Pastor Barry Randolph is a lifelong Detroiter. With a background in business he co-owned a distribution company, health food store and a fine dining restaurant. Feeling something missing in his life he started attending and volunteering at the Church of the Messiah. He began as a volunteer tutor for the after school programs, and held varies positions such as the Sunday School Teacher, Youth Director and Worship Leader. June 2002, he became an ordained priest and now pastors Church of Messiah. Under his leadership, the congregation has grown from 41 members in 2002, to over 300 members today. Church of Messiah prides itself on being a multi-ethnic church Messiah currently includes an employment and computer Lab, an audio and video production lab (Messiah Media), a bicycle workshop, a leather goods, a mentoring program, a drug recovery treatment program and a full marching band.
Dr. Carl S. Taylor
Dr. Carl S. Taylor, native Detroiter and Professor of Sociology at Michigan State University has published research and worked extensively with communities, foundations and government agencies in understanding gangs, youth culture, and violence. He is one of the preeminent authorities on these topics.
