CHARLESTON MAGAZINE'S NEW ONLINE DINING GUIDE
The City Magazine Since 1975

Time to Unite

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The World Trade Center was destroyed during the 9-11 attacks 10 years ago this Sunday; Soldiers sign a banner promoting peace during last year’s Peace One Day. Photographs by (World Trade Center) Balthazar Korab, Ltd. & (soldiers) New Dream Photography

September 7, 2011


Time to Unite
Commemorate 9-11 this weekend, then celebrate Peace Week in Charleston


This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy, while later this month is the 30th year of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. And in the Holy City, that means many opportunities for residents to gather to reflect, connect, and take initiative in building a stronger community.

This Sunday afternoon, during 9-11-2011: An Interfaith Gathering of Peace—organized by The Coastal Interfaith Community and Unity Church of Charleston—representatives from 18 faiths, including Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist, give short peace readings. A multicultural lineup of performers also takes the Sottile Theatre stage, including Native American flute player Delia Chariker, gospel singer Ann Caldwell, folk-rocker Danielle Howle, the Charleston Youth Company, and the Adande African Drum and Dance Company. After the lighting of a unity candle, raise your own voice in a group rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

Afterward, bring chairs and blankets to Marion Square for a free concert organized by the City of Charleston together with Operation R&R, a nonprofit that helps service men and women reconnect with their families on a vacation when they return from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9-11, members from groups such as Charleston Community Band, Charleston Men’s Chorus, Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus, College of Charleston, and The Citadel will perform reflective and patriotic music from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Keep the togetherness going during Peace Week, running September 14 through the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, September 21. This year, Peace One Day Charleston traded in their usual daylong festival for a full week of celebration, encouraging individuals and organizations to start their own initiatives across the state. Visit cp1d.org to find a list of ways you can participate—from peace building classes to a block party hosted by Morris Brown AME Church.

9-11-2011: Interfaith Gathering of Peace, Sunday, September 11, 3-5 p.m. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. Free. (843) 259-8108, www.unitychs.org

10th Anniversary Concert for 9/11: A Community Commemoration: Sunday, September 11, 5-6:30 p.m. Marion Square, corner of King & Calhoun sts. Free. (843) 724-3746

Peace Week, September 14-21, times, locations, & prices vary. (843) 437-3280, www.cp1d.org

For more events happening around town this weekend, click here.