Wayland HRDEI Committee delegates planning of Sept. 21 peace event

WAYLAND -- September 4, 2024, Wayland committee greenlights town's first International Day of Peace event for Sept. 21. The Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee voted 6-0 at a brief special meeting Wednesday night to delegate planning to member Asma, with support from Jen O. and Chair Karen Blumenfeld. The 4 p.m. Saturday gathering on the town center green between Stop & Shop and Sperry's will feature three speakers on peace "within yourself," in the community and globally, a youth speaker, a children's craft station with origami paper cranes, and a closing moment of silence. Members opted against formal co-sponsors this year, citing the tight timeline and a desire to keep the event clear of politics and religion; Blumenfeld said the flyer may note "this is a place for peace," discouraging flags and posters. Wayland Baha'i community members have ordered hundreds of "Oh, humankind" stickers.