Local Peace Organizations to Host Musical Rally

Lansing-area residents will raise their voices in song Sunday at a rally for peace at Edgewood United Church of Christ, 469 N. Hagadorn Road in East Lansing.

The Just Peace Chorus will host “Come Together for Justice: A Rally for Peace” from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.

Representatives from several local organizations, including Meta Peace Team, the Peace Education Center and Peace Quest of Greater Lansing, will also speak and perform.

“In between [speakers] we’re going to have some sing-alongs, some protest songs that we’ll also be singing at rallies in the future,” said Angel Hirai, director of the Just Peace Chorus. “We [will] lift our voices up together toward common cause to create a peaceful environment.”

The chorus formed last year, singing together at area “No Kings” rallies in opposition to President Donald Trump. Hirai noticed other groups participating in resistance singing but said no one was leading others in it.

“I had a lot of people,” she said, “this outpouring of community people, and I [wondered], can we keep doing this? Now we are officially a nonprofit, and trying to just find ways to help build community spirit, and a feeling of hope, and help maintain a peaceful spirit when people are gathering to talk about difficult issues or big feelings arise.”

Hirai is an elementary school music teacher in Lansing and said she selects songs that people can easily pick up.

Mike Lawrence, a professor at Michigan State University’s College of Law, will also perform. Lawrence is the father of Will Lawrence, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.

The event is free to attend, but those who can are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the Greater Lansing Food Bank or gently used children’s winter clothing.

Hirai said no singing talent is required to attend the rally or join the chorus.

“Talent’s a myth,” she said. “Singing is a skill. If you can talk, you have the muscles in your body to also be able to sing.”