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University promotes peace from
within at “A Day Without Violence”

Sacramento State’s Women’s Resource Center and the One Man Can Program will present a series of events throughout the afternoon of September 11 at “A Day Without Violence.” All activities are free of charge and will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, September 11, in the University Union Redwood Room and the University Library Quad.

“We wanted to illustrate ways for students to find peace within themselves on this day, the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th,” says Jessica Heskin, advocate and educator at the Women’s Resource Center. “So often, 9/11 remembrances focus on war and terrorism. With this multi-cultural event, we’re asking the question, ‘what would our lives be like if we lived one day focusing on peace, rather than violence?”

The activities begin with a yoga and meditation session at 11 a.m. in the University Union Redwood Room. Zuda Yoga Studios will lead the session, which will promote peace of mind and body through visualization and relaxation.

The West African Drum and Dance Club—a University student organization—will give a performance and speak about African culture and how it relates to peace and nonviolence at noon in the Redwood Room.

The Quetzaocoatl Citlalli Aztec dancers will take the stage in the Redwood Room at 1 p.m. with the traditional “friendship dance.” The end of the production will turn interactive when the dancers teach the audience the time-honored Aztec dance.

Throughout the day, the Library Quad lawn will feature several displays including the “Porcupines for Peace” project—a unique art project that organizers say to be seen to be believed, and the Clothesline Project—a display of t-shirts made by those affected by sexual and domestic violence. “These displays show the different, creative ways individuals can heal after a devastating event,” says Heskin.

The Women’s Resource Center strives to end violence towards women and create attitudes which foster a violence-free environment through education and outreach. The One Man Can Program is a collaborative project of the Women’s Resource Center and the Student Health Center with the mission of engaging men in taking a proactive role to end violence against women and men.