Events

Synopsis: To build upon the momentum gained in the past few years, K.O.P.E. has used 2008 to introduce several new initiatives, such as the monthly forums, “PeaceSpeak”, held every third Saturday at the Virginia Gray Recreational Center. Through the usage of cluster groups, polling and interviewing, members of the community will analyze community matters and propose an immediate plan of action to address them. They will then compile their results in the Peacemaking Agenda and use the power of grassroots networking to confront the issues. K.O.P.E. has chosen September to celebrate Nonviolence Awareness Month by taking the Peacemakers Tour across Clayton County, capping off the year's efforts with a county-wide "Pray Out" to be held outside on Riverdale Rd.; ministers of the surrounding churches will lead Clayton County in a unity prayer for our community and nation. The "Pray Out" will be followed by the Second Annual Clayton County Peace Fest and Symposium to be held at the Virginia Gray Recreational Center. The event will include two forums which focus on social, political and community matters that effect adults and youth. The adult forum will include a panel of discussants from various parts of the educational, political, religious and civic community. K.O.P.E. will present polling results from "PeaceSpeak 2008" and a documentary describing the challenges faced by students of the graduating class of 2009 surrounding the accreditation controversy. The youth forum will be held in the spirit of Black Entertainment Television's (BET) "Hip Hop vs. America" special where members of the entertainment community speak candidly about issues which directly affect youth, ranging from the educational crisis and gang violence to the new political phenomenon and activism. In the tradition K.O.P.E. has established in the community over the past few years, all participants will gather in the lobby of the Virginia Gray Rec. Ctr. to add more signatures to the Declaration of Peace. We are determined to realize the dream of a man that lived some forty years ago and even more determined to restore our beloved community and take this healing message to communities across the nation and the globe.