Lansing City Hall Unveils Peace Pole
On Friday, June 24, at 11:00 a.m., Lansing City Hall and St. Vincent Catholic Charities (STVCC) will unveil a Peace Pole on the Lansing City Hall campus, 124 W Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI.
The Peace Pole represents a spirit of unity for Lansing’s immigrants, refugees and U.S. born community members, featuring the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in twelve different languages. This will be the fifth Peace Pole in Ingham County, joining locations at the Ingham County Department of Health & Human Services, Hunter Park, Summerplace Townhomes and downtown East Lansing.
Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson, Director of the City of Lansing’s Human Relations & Community Services Department said, “Lansing stands in solidarity with refugees and immigrants, continually aiming to foster a community of love and acceptance.”
The unveiling of the Peace Pole is one of many events scheduled by STVCC and the Lansing community to celebrate World Refugee Awareness Week, a city-wide recognition of the rich diversity and benefits that refugees provide. Lansing is known as a “Welcoming City” for taking the Welcoming Michigan coalition’s pledge to welcome and accept refugees and immigrants from all backgrounds.
“For refugees, coming here is a new beginning,” shared Judi Harris, STVCC Refugee Services Program Director. “Lansing is their new home, where they can work hard to provide for their families and be part of a welcoming community.”
Carol Wood, Lansing At-Large City Councilmember and Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, added, “Refugees provide a vital link to our society and local economy. They are dedicated individuals who bring perseverance and compassion to our community and our businesses.”
Lansing City Hall Peace Pole
Press Conference Speakers
The unveiling will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a press conference to follow. In attendance at the press conference will be: Andrea Seyka, STVCC CEO; Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson, Director of the City of Lansing’s Human Relations & Community Services Department; Carol Wood, At-Large City Councilmember & Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity; Judi Harris, STVCC Refugee Services Director; and Phozia Hassan, Refugee Representative.
For more information on the refugee services offered by STVCC, please visit stvcc.org/services/refugeeservices/.
Members from the Lansing community, representatives from Ingham County Department of Health and Human Services, and St. Vincent Catholic Charities pose during last year’s Peace Pole Unveiling.