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A Reflection on the Past, A Call to Action
Peace Summit: A Reflection on the Past, A Call to Action is a celebration that unites the power of civil rights, storytelling, history, music, scholarship, and community. This event shines a spotlight on the shared struggles and triumphs of two cities—Nashville, Tennessee, and Belfast, Northern Ireland—both of which have been deeply shaped by their histories of conflict and resilience.
At the heart of the Peace Summit is a call to action. As we learn from the past and these historic milestones, we are inspired to take meaningful steps toward building a more peaceful and equitable world. Through powerful storytelling, music, and academic insights, attendees will engage in conversations that highlight the ways in which history continues to shape our present and future. Together, we will explore how the lessons learned from Nashville and Belfast can help guide our global efforts toward lasting peace.
Reflect On the Lessons of the Past
The Peace Summit invites us to reflect on the lessons of the past, acknowledging the victories and sacrifices made in the fight for justice and equality. From the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville to the peace-building efforts in Belfast, the event provides a platform for dialogue and education. In learning from the past, current generations of leaders will be informed and inspired in the ongoing journey for justice and equality.
The timing of the event will coincide with many important anniversaries: 65 years since the Nashville Sit-Ins (1960), 60 years since the Voting Rights Act (1965), 105 years since the ratification of the 19th amendment, 30 years of the Sister City partnership between Nashville and Belfast (1995) and 27 years since the signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement (1998).
65 Years Since the Nashville Sit-Ins (1960)
This anniversary commemorates the peaceful protests by young activists in Nashville, which played a critical role in desegregating lunch counters in the South. The sit-ins marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating the power of nonviolent resistance and student activism.
Photo Caption: Seen here is a “closed” sign at the Walgreen’s on 5th Ave. N. on February 27, 1960. Photograph courtesy of the Nashville Public Library.
60 Years Since the Voting Rights Act (1965)
This milestone marks six decades since the passage of the Voting Rights Act, a landmark law that outlawed discriminatory voting practices and protected the voting rights of African Americans. This act is celebrated as a cornerstone in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States.
Photo caption: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Reverend Kelly Miller Smith at Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, April 21, 1960, preparing to speak to an audience of over 4000 following the bombing of the home of prominent civil rights attorney, Z. Alexander Looby. Image Courtesy of Nashville Public Library.
105 Years Since the Ratification of the 19th Amendment (1920)
Celebrating over a century of women’s suffrage, this anniversary honors the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote in the U.S. The 19th Amendment stands as a lasting symbol of the progress made toward gender equality and the power of collective action.
Photo caption: Woman Suffrage Memorial in Centennial Park. The monument, unveiled in 2017, was created by renowned local sculptor Alan LeQuire. The five women honored are Anne Dallas Dudley, J. Frankie Pierce, Sue Shelton White, Abby Crawford Milton, and Carrie Chapman Catt. Image courtesy of Nashville Sites.
30 Years of Sister Cities Partnership Between Nashville and Belfast (1995)
This year celebrates three decades of the Sister Cities partnership between Nashville and Belfast, a partnership focusing on social projects, education, and musical and cultural exchange.
27 Years Since the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement (1998)
This anniversary recognizes the importance of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, a major peace accord signed on April 10, 1998, aimed at resolving the conflict in Northern Ireland, known as "The Troubles," which had lasted for several decades. It was negotiated between the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Irish governments, along with political parties in Northern Ireland, and it addressed various issues related to governance, human rights and the constitutional status of Northern Ireland.
Photo credit: Photo by Frankie Quinn
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