The International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) and International Arts Center (IAC) team together every year on Sept.21, a nationally recognized day of peace, for a campus Peace Walk.
This year’s theme was “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” where Troy University faculty, staff and international and domestic students unite from all diverse backgrounds carrying flags from all over the world.
The flags carried during the walk may represent countries, but to ISCO President Nautica Morgan, a senior biomedical science major form Jack, Alabama, they meant much more.
“Having all of our flags in no specific order together as one really shows unity and solidarity with one another,” Morgan said. “It’s a really important thing to do to show that everyone is welcome, especially here at Troy University.”
The walk started at Hawkins Hall to the IAC surrounding Violatta Pax, the Wounded Peace Dove statue designed by the late Nall Hollis, who recently passed away.
The International Day of Peace was founded by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981. Traditionally, it is celebrated on Sept. 21 and is meant to promote global ideas of peace through 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire.
As many of us think about the word “peace,” it may not play a huge part in your life depending on your background. Dr. Jay Valentine, an associate professor of philosophy and religion, explained.
“I think international peace is something we very often don’t think about in the United States because, usually for most Americans, the word doesn’t affect us directly,” Valentine said. “We tend to not realize how destructive war that’s going on in various parts of the world is.” One student described peace as freedom.
Sachin Kumar Yadav, an international student from Nepal, is pursuing his master’s degree in computer science. He also serves as a Nepalese Student Ambassador for ISCO.
“I am able to do my own things without any pressure and disturbance from the outside world,” Yadav said. “All I want is my soul to be satisfied with who I am and what I am doing. “That is peace.”
Morgan said that peace is not an ideal, but a continuous practice.
“It is a concept that transcends borders, cultures and religions,” Morgan said. “It embodies a state of harmony where understanding and compassion for our fellow human beings prevails.
“While often associated with quietness and tranquility, peace is far more profound. It represents a deep-rooted commitment to empathy and mutual respect. It requires us to be mindful of our actions, to actively choose dialogue over discord, empathy or indifference.”
Morgan believes it’s important to continue to celebrate International Day of Peace until the goal is met.
“We haven’t reached it,” Morgan said. “As a global concept, we are not at peace in any way.
"In most places you can find something that’s lying under the cover -- not the top layer, but the one below -- that something is happening. Until we eventually get there, and I hope we do, we’re not really achieving peace.”
In a speech, Richard Dankwah from Ghana compares the nation to the human body.
“Just as the body relies on homeostasis to maintain a stable internal environment, our global community depends on peace to ensure the well-being of all the parts,” Dankwah said. “In the body, homeostasis is the process that keeps everything in balance, adjusting to changes and ensuring that each organ functions optimally.
“Similarly, world peace acts as a stabilizing force, allowing nations to thrive and work together harmoniously. When one organ, in this case a nation, is in distress, it affects the entire system, disrupting the balance and potentially leading to serious consequences.”
The day of peace did not only consist of a symbolic march, but graphic design students were able to express their idea of peace through a poster contest. The posters were put on display outside the IAC, overlooking the plaza. The following students won the contest: Icie Wallace, first place; Kayleyah Gilbert, second place; and Xiaodie Wang, third place.
“Together we are strong, divided we fall,” Dankwah said.
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