peace park

In addition to a full line-up of entertainment, workshops, and other activities, the 2014 MLK Community Festival will also include the recognition of the 2014 Power of Peace Award recipient - an award given annually to recognize a local leader or group which has exhibited peacemaking in action. This year's recipient, nominated by Beth Gibson and selected by an independent panel, is Cameray Boyden and the West Indy Peace Park. In the winter of 2010, two young men from west Indianapolis lost their lives due to their involvement with drugs and violence. One of these young men was Cameray's best friend. While their untimely deaths were not connected, there was a lot of hostility between the two groups of friends. Cameray decided something needed to be done to stop the deaths and violence. During the summer of 2011, she worked tirelessly to unite the community in the formation of the West Indianapolis Peace Park. In just 66 days the Peace Park became a reality and still serves as an example that good things happen...even during the struggle of overcoming pain and heart ache. The Peace Park is living proof that change can happen when people work together. Click here to see a full list of all of this year's Power of Peace Award nominees.