Make pinwheels, not war, and celebrate the United Nations' International Day of Peace from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday with students, teachers, Oklahoma leaders and other community members from across the city.
A giant peace dove puppet will welcome event-goers to the Gold Dome Multicultural Society at N.W. 23rd Street and N. Classen Boulevard, where participants can put their own spin on peace and plant their custom-made pinwheel in the grass to spread feelings of tranquility and harmony.
"It's so important in our society today that we talk about peace and we talk about tolerance and that we work together in making this a harmonious and unified world," said Gail Sloop, a Sequoyah Elementary School art teacher who is involved with the project.
ACTIVITIES
Speakers at the event include:
" Mayor Mick Cornett,
" OKC schools Superintendent John Q. Porter,
" state Sens. Andrew Rice and Connie Johnson, and
" Mike Korenblit of the Respect Diversity Foundation.
Local youth choirs and dance groups will provide entertainment, including:
" multicultural dancing,
" singing,
" drumming and
" music.
Refreshments will be available along with supplies for creating your own pinwheel. Display tables will provide information about peace from dozens of organizations.
"Pinwheels for Peace" was founded by two Florida art teachers and has grown to become a global event. More than 1 million pinwheels were planted last year in 2,000 locations.
For more information, call 640-5699 or visit visit their site."Lisa Janssen
