Hundreds on Common join in show of peace
More than 1,600 people gathered on the Common yesterday in the hopes of setting the world record for largest human peace symbol as part of an effort to bring people together, heal social divisions and raise awareness for Children’s Services of Roxbury.
While chanting “we want peace,” singing Neil Diamond’s hit song “Sweet Caroline” and holding up the “V” hand sign for peace, 1,682 Hub-area residents cheered and waved as their peace symbol formation was photographed on the Common. And though the participants failed to surpass the 5,000 people they needed to earn their spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, organizers said they weren’t discouraged and vowed to try again next year.
“It made people stop,” said Sandra McCroom, president and CEO of the Children’s Services of Roxbury, a 50-year-old nonprofit that works with roughly 6,000 disadvantaged families a year and offers support through foster care, early education, homelessness and behavioral health care.
“We’re winners no matter what. We had an enormous turnout. We had a great day,” she said. “The message was about the resiliency of our community, the resiliency of people in Boston, the resiliency of children in Boston. We’re winners all around.”
Boston police Superintendent-in-Chief William G. Gross, who participated in the gathering, said the event showcased a key message the department tries to broadcast to city residents, that by working together everyone can have a “fair shot.”
“Children’s Services of Roxbury works with 6,000 families,” Gross said. “It combats people going into gangs and dealing drugs.”
City Councilor Ayanna Pressley said the group effort was a way of highlighting “that everyone has a role to play in fostering peace.”
And though the record attempt was organized by Children’s Services of Roxbury, many participants saw it as an opportunity to spread a message of peace at a time when the country is increasingly divided.
“Our world is in turmoil,” said Sally Shuman, 66, of West Roxbury. “We need to all stand together to change it. This shows how people joining together can uplift the world.”