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Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace was “End racism. Build peace.” Participants were encouraged to "join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of."
![students parade around school](https://cdnsm5-ss19.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_889476/Image/News/News%20Stories%202022-23/Peace%20Day/DSC_0078.JPG)
(Above) At Edgemont Montessori, students, staff and families celebrated International Day of Peace with their annual Peace Parade. They started with a mindful minute, discussed International Day of Peace and the theme, listened to student speakers share reflections (in English and Spanish), and then finished with the Peace Parade celebration.
![peace messages on rocks](https://cdnsm5-ss19.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_889476/Image/News/News%20Stories%202022-23/Peace%20Day/Peace3.jpg)
![students gather](https://cdnsm5-ss19.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_889476/Image/News/News%20Stories%202022-23/Peace%20Day/Peace4.png)
(Above) Montclair High School’s Center for Social Justice (CSJ) planned and participated in observing the International Day of Peace. Students recognized this day by learning its history, signing a pledge and sharing words of hope while surrounding the CSJ/MHS Peace Pole. CSJ students encourage all people to “Say It, Do It, Share It”: Say what peace means to you, do something that demonstrates your commitment to peace, and share it on social media with #CSJPeaceDayChallenge and inspire others to do the same.