On Saturday, September 21, 2024, CODEPINK chapters across the U.S. participated in International Day of Peace events to draw attention to the global threat posed by U.S. militarism. In cities from Los Angeles to San Francisco and across the East Coast, activists educated the public on the harmful impact of U.S. military operations. They called for a shift toward peace and justice.
In Los Angeles, CODEPINK organizers joined the 2024 UN International Day of Peace event at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro, where they distributed flyers and raised awareness about the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and the growing military presence on the African continent. Their message: militarism is exacerbating poverty, war, and climate change, the very factors threatening Africa's people, wildlife, and habitats.
"As we celebrate peace, we must also recognize that the U.S. military presence in Africa is worsening the plight of both humans and wildlife," a CODEPINK organizer explained. "Instead of diverting funds to military solutions, we need to invest in real solutions that protect Africa's environment and its people."
The event coincided with the celebration of renowned environmentalist Jane Goodall's 90th birthday, allowing CODEPINK to highlight the intersection between environmental protection and the fight against militarism.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, CODEPINK Bay Area, in collaboration with Pathways to Peace, Veterans for Peace, and other justice organizations, hosted a visually powerful event at the San Francisco Civic Center Plaza. The focus was on solidarity with Gaza and an end to U.S. arms support for Israel. Organizers demanded an end to the Israeli occupation, the release of prisoners and hostages, and the restoration of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
"International Day of Peace is a chance for us to unite in calling for peace in Gaza and an end to U.S. arms sales to Israel," said Cynthia Papermaster, a CODEPINK San Francisco organizer.
"We demand that international law be upheld to stop the ongoing genocide and occupation."
On the East Coast, CODEPINK concluded a week of peace-themed events with a Peace Parade featuring activists, artists, healers, and spiritual leaders marching in solidarity for global peace, justice, and freedom. The parade showcased the diverse cultural and grassroots movements coming together to advocate for an end to U.S. militarism and promote a vision of a more peaceful world.
Through their actions on International Day of Peace, CODEPINK and its allies demonstrated the urgent need to shift away from military aggression and invest in solutions that support global peace, justice, and environmental restoration.
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