Over 20 speakers representing many faith traditions as well as secular segments of civil society and local, state, and national government addressed the tagline theme of the event, "Replacing the culture of fear, division and violence with a culture of hope, inclusion and peace." Among the "speakers" was a girl scout troop, who led the audience in a rousing rendition of "We Shall Overcome." In her remarks, Samina Sundas, founder and executive director of American Muslim Voice, added a proactive dimension to the emerging "resist and persist" movement by pledging to do all she can to "assist" in building love and peace in her own neighborhood and community and called on everyone in attendance to do likewise in theirs.
In the photo at right, Samina appears with NPA board member Mike Abkin and Nancy Merritt of the Peace Alliance.