Melrose Leadership Academy Peace March
“Imagine all the people living life in peace”
John Lennon
Yesterday, my son’s Spanish bilingual school, Melrose Leadership Academy, organized a march through our Maxwell Park neighborhood in Oakland, California.
Here is the photo gallery of the peace and kindness march.
The march had been planned before the recent tragedy in Oakland; however, our school community benefited from the supportive event. If you are avoiding news, Oakland has experienced the deadliest fire since 2003 in the United States. The Oakland Ghost Ship Fire was about two miles from MLA. National news outlets have asked questions about the fire that our community might not be prepared to ask. We needed a reason to gather.
I was also aware that the peace march was held on the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Some people might view these images and not find the march patriotic. I don’t. My son wanted to paint his face red, white and blue, because he sees America in his classmates and teachers. He sees America in the mirror.
Today is the anniversary of the day that John Lennon was shot and killed. Yoko Ono was married to John when he was shot. She asks that we “imagine peace” in any languages that translates. Her website, Imagine Peace is simple, inspiring and haunting.
My son and I discussed the concept of peace this week. He thought that we should express our ideas more thoroughly. He realizes that one person’s idea of peace might not be the same somewhere else. This election has taught my son a great deal about peace.
