Through a Child's Eye: Wings of Peace

A couple of weeks ago, parents, community leaders, youth, children and other community members of all types came together at Quality Life Center. Greeted and guided by teens, there was time to get together, chat and eat breakfast.

During a groundbreaking ceremony, we celebrated a new wing which will be added on to the Q’s campus. We heard from Q alum and board members, the mayor, a councilman, supporters and folks involved in making the building a reality. They talked about progress that has been made, and what the new wing will mean for the area.

   

And in between, there was the opportunity for everyone to express their opinion about the challenges that remain, and the things we need or can do to make our community better. There were teens and Q parents on hand to help guests participate.

Quality Life Center students had already been thinking about and discussing these questions. Certain concerns were common in all of the classes, regardless of age: violence, especially gun violence, racism, bullying, hatred and injustice. After a discussion and brainstorming session, one class decided they had enough. They created a striking piece including a wreath made of crime scene tape and a tombstone listing the things they want laid to rest: hate, racism, violence.

Another class had an animated discussion about the environment they would like to be surrounded by: it would be safe and nice and supportive. Girls could come together and have fun and be safe at “Sisterhood House.”

Some younger classes thought everything would be easier if everyone could work a little hard on getting along, that nobody should have to live in fear of violence. They worked together to create the art installation “Wings of Peace.”

Another class focused on the positive with “We Rise Like the Sun.” These pieces depict the positive point of view they want people to have of the Dunbar community.

We needed a place for community members to share their thoughts. Students had recently been taught by art instructor Ms. Elizabeth about pop artist Keith Haring. Students learned Haring often used his art to generate activism and awareness about social themes. The decision to use Haring’s iconic figures as the vision boards for the event seemed destined. The result was a colorful visual representation of the hopes for the community, and actions leading to the changes they want to see. 

Teens explained to guests at the event that topics corresponded with different colored post-it notes, and included a write-in option. And the community spoke. The results:

This report compiling the results is being sent to elected officials who represent our area. We encourage everyone to take the action(s) they think is part of the solution, whether it is volunteering, voting or organizing. While children's main concern was violence, and the greatest focus for adults was education issues, it is clear that things will only be better with an educated, active public. And this is a good step toward making our children feel safer.