The event annually caps off the network’s monthly Global Education Speaker Series, gathering at City Hall Plaza on the morning of the city’s Juneteenth celebration. After a series of speeches, the attendees carry signs and banners advocating peace and walk to the Gammon House for Juneteenth activities.
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With the cancellation of this year’s Juneteenth events and social distancing still a concern, Peace Network members chose to go online. But the issues will be more timely than ever.
“It’s been a scary time for people, some getting sick and African Americans are concerned about safety and protests. Our gathering speaks for peace, where people come together to be kind and work for justice, keeping each other safe during an uplifting gathering,” said Nancy Flinchbaugh, a longtime Peace Network member.
Gammon House director Dale Henry will lead off the speakers, reminding of Juneteenth’s importance.
Health professionals will speak on the coronavirus pandemic. Vince Carter of the Clark County Combined Health district will talk about how COVID-19 has affected the local community, especially African Americans; Tiffany Cydrus-Beckel, a registered nurse case manager at Springfield Regional Medical Center will share her experiences working on the front lines during the pandemic; and retired behavioral health nurse Winkie Mitchell will highlight the virus’s effect on children.
“It’s important to have voices like these who are on the front of this,” said Flinchbaugh.
Voices of protest speaking out for peace and justice include Jerry Laub, who will make a statement on behalf of the Peace Network; Samina Ahmed and Katalina Remusat of the City of Springfield Human Relations Board; and City Commissioner Rob Rue.
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Laub, a Peace Network member for a decade, will speak from an average person’s perspective on the death of George Floyd and the resulting protests.
“I felt the outrage everybody felt when they saw those pictures on television of George Floyd,” Laub said. “A city as diverse as Springfield needs programs like this to bring these groups together. At our core, we are all human beings and need to love each other.”
Cheryl DeGroat Dover, another Peace Network member, said this is an opportunity for the world to have a closer look at African Americans’ lives. Being able to come together with others with like mindsets help her decompress, she added.
“The pandemic forced us to slow down in many ways, to look around,” she said. “From the perspective of an African American woman, I have never understood the concept of racism, bias, etc. I just don’t get it. I mean why do people feel they are better than other people?”
Rounding out the speakers representing local faith communities will be Sana Ahmed of Muslim Masjid Al-Madina Mosque; Dr. Ravi Khanna, Hindu Community of Springfield; and Dr. Carl Ruby, pastor of Central Christian Church.
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“All faiths speak with a common voice for peace,” Flinchbaugh said.
The Global Peace Network’s monthly speaker series carried the theme “Sharing Our Roots” in 2019-2020, starting with live meetings and going virtual for the final three. Flinchbaugh said the series will continue the second Thursday in September again online, focusing on various faiths and possibly updating on developments in the protests and pandemic.
To watch Saturday’s broadcast, search for the City of Springfield’s channel www.youtube.com. To call in or join the meeting on Zoom, contact Flinchbaugh at nflinchbaugh@springfieldohio.gov.
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