The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire – Savannah’s leading organization dedicated to helping citizens proactively manage conflict and creating a more conflict-resilient community – is thrilled to host the 2026 Peace in the Park celebration on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Daffin Park, located at Victory Drive and Waters Avenue, in Savannah, Ga. The fifth annual event, which is free and open to the public, will offer opportunities for community members to support peace, counter violence and celebrate unity.

The theme for the 2026 Peace in the Park event is Think Globally. Act Locally. Designed to coincide with International Day of Peace, Peace in the Park is the result of powerful local community collaborations and a shared vision to build a more compassionate, connected and conflict-resilient Savannah.

This uplifting afternoon will offer something for everyone, including live music, spoken word performances, dancing and face painting. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative peacebuilding idea board and to participate in interactive “passing peace forward” activities designed to be shared on social media. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the afternoon, including Latin Chicks, Jamaica Taste, Red Taco Food Truck and Kona Ice.

Local Peacebuilder Award winners who will be recognized at Peace in the Park include: 

·       Legend Peacebuilder: Dr. Quentina Miller-Fields, Director of Student and Family Services, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS),

·       Youth Peacebuilder: Howie Trotter, Teen CERT/Savannah Youth Ambassadors/GenNEXT Teens/NAACP Youth

·       Emerging Youth Peacebuilder: Kavianna Sanetta Christine Aiken, ROX Program/Girl Scouts

·       Community Peacebuilder: Azsha Hankerson, Government and Community Affairs Manager, Comcast   

·       Faith Leader Peacebuilder: Padre Pablo Migone, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church/Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah

·       First Responder Peacebuilder: Sgt. Barry Lewis, Savannah Police Department, Community Engagement Division

·       Elected Official Peacebuilder: Judge Lisa Goldwire Colbert, Chatham County Superior Court/Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia

“Peace in the Park is The Mediation Center’s annual celebration of peacebuilding and a joyful invitation to think globally and act locally,” said Dr. Aimee Bellmore, The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire’s Executive Director. “This popular, community-focused event reminds us of the far-reaching impacts of local peacebuilding and how those efforts can contribute to a more positive, peaceful world. We warmly welcome everyone to join us at Daffin Park on September 27^th as we recognize local peacebuilders, celebrate the power of community and affirm the belief that peace is possible right here in Savannah.”

The Mediation Center will present the 2026 Peacebuilder Awards at 3:10 p.m., followed by a Peace Walk at 3:40 p.m. and a giant human peace sign formation at 3:50 p.m. Live entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon by Temakha from Abundaverse, 912 Seaport Steppas, DEEP Center, Kim Gunn and Youth Singers, Wellness & Dance interactive performance and SCAD K-Pop Dance Club.

Peace in the Park 2026 sponsors include Xfinity, BankSouth, HunterMaclean, Law Office of Joseph J. Steffen Jr., Resilient Coastal Georgia, Shannon Brett, Royal Restrooms, Inky Brittany and more.

“Peace in the Park has a powerful purpose: to spotlight peacebuilding efforts and to invite all of us to be part of something bigger,” Bellmore added. “Let’s celebrate unity, healing and hope as we come together to build peace.”

To learn more about Peace in the Park and available sponsorship opportunities, please visit mediationsavannah.com/peaceinthepark/ or follow The Mediation Center on social media.