Peace in the Park: Mediation Center celebrates 40 years of building unity

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - After exploring the history, impact and youth initiatives of the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire, the final episode of a WTOC+ series turns focus to one of the organization’s signature community events: Peace in the Park.

The fifth annual event takes place Sunday, Sept. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Daffin Park in Savannah. Designed as a free community celebration, Peace in the Park brings together residents from across the Coastal Empire for an afternoon centered on connection, healing and understanding.

“The few hours that we’ll be in Daffin Park will really bring people together from all walks of life throughout the Coastal Empire,” said event coordinator Kareem McMichael. “We’ll have conversations and different activities that relate to peace and what peacebuilding is. But then also we’ll have music, dance, food trucks and so many different aspects that bring people together.”

Episode Guide

• Episode 1: The Mediation Center Learn about the organization’s history, mission and vision as it celebrates 40 years of service.
• Episode 2: Impact Programs A look at the Center’s impact across the region, including community partnerships and its Safety & Resilience Training Programs focused on emotional wellbeing, trauma-informed care and suicide prevention.
• Episode 3: Youth Programs Discover how the Center is investing in the next generation through Peer Mediation, Positive Peer Influencers and other initiatives that teach young people leadership, communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Episode 4: Peace in the Park Get a preview of Peace in the Park, a free community celebration focused on unity, healing and connection. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, at Daffin Park.

One of the event’s highlights is the annual Peace Walk and human peace sign, which brings hundreds of attendees together in a visible demonstration of community unity.

“You see kids, elders, newcomers and people who have come every year all together in one moment,” McMichael said.

The event will also feature the presentation of the Peacebuilder Awards, recognizing individuals making a positive impact throughout the community.

“We’ll be honoring a lot of people in our community, a lot of leaders and peacebuilders,” said Taylor Warren, youth programs coordinator at the Mediation Center. “From community leaders to faith leaders, first responders and youth, we’re excited to honor some amazing people in our community.”

For Warren, the event’s purpose is simple.

“We may not always agree,” she said. “But we can come together and say that we just want peace and harmony - and that’s going to start with us.”

Peace in the Park takes place Sunday, Sept. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Daffin Park in Savannah and is free and open to the public.