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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION, PEACE CONFERENCE AND PEACE POLE REDEDICATION TO BE HELD AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
International Peace Leaders, Students and Community Partners Will Gather in Detroit to Promote Peace, Unity and Global Cooperation
DETROIT, MICH. — The 2026 International Day of Peace Celebration, Peace Conference and Peace Pole Rededication will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Bernath Auditorium at Wayne State University’s Undergraduate Library in Detroit.
The event is sponsored by the Southfield Substance Prevention & Education Coalition and the Rotary Action Group for Peace Great Lakes Chapter, representing Rotary Districts 6380, 6400 and 6600.
This distinguished international gathering will bring together leaders from government, education, healthcare, business, faith communities, Rotary International, veterans’ organizations, schools and community organizations to celebrate a shared commitment to peace, unity, human dignity and global cooperation.
May Peace Prevail on Earth InternationalTM is an inclusive nonprofit organization that develops and promotes peace activities for communities and young people. Its programs encourage individuals to embrace the universal message:
“May Peace Prevail on Earth.”
One of the organization’s signature initiatives is the Peace Pole Project. Each Peace Pole carries the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages chosen to represent the diversity of the surrounding community. More than 200,000 Peace Poles have been planted worldwide as lasting symbols of hope, unity and humanity’s shared desire for peace.
FEATURED PEACE LEADERS
The event will feature distinguished local and international peace leaders, including:
• Fumi Johns Stewart, Executive Director of May Peace Prevail on Earth InternationalTM
• Dr. Patricia Ann Talley, Director of the Amigos de la Paz Sustainable Development Award ProgramTM for May Peace Prevail on Earth InternationalTM and Mistress of Ceremonies
• Rev. Rebecca Suzik, Interfaith Officiant and Spiritual Care at Sacred KindnessTM
• Monica Willard, United Nations NGO Representative at United Religions InitiativeTM
• Therese Maggioncalda, Rotary District Governor and Chair of the Great Lakes Rotary Action Group for Peace
Their participation reflects the importance of strengthening partnerships among communities, nations, faiths and cultures while advancing the ideals of peace, dignity and cooperation.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
• Official welcome and opening ceremony
• Recognition of the United Nations International Day of Peace
• Welcome from Wayne State University and community leaders
• Keynote remarks by Fumi Johns Stewart and other distinguished peace leaders
• Remarks from elected officials and community representatives
• Peace Pole Rededication Ceremony
• World Peace Flag Ceremony led by Fumi Johns Stewart, symbolizing the unity of nations and our collective commitment to lasting peace
• Student musical performances representing cultures from around the world
• Interfaith messages celebrating peace, hope and reconciliation
• Recognition of individuals and organizations whose leadership and service have strengthened peace locally and globally
Among the community peace leaders being recognized will be the Honorable Barbara E. Talley, the first person of color elected to the Southfield City Council and founder of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force of Southfield.
Her daughter, Dr. Patricia Ann Talley, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies and help guide this meaningful international celebration.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend this significant gathering and demonstrate our collective commitment to creating a culture of peace in our communities and throughout the world.
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Monday, September 21, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Bernath Auditorium
Wayne State University Undergraduate Library
Detroit, Michigan
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3821000-0
