CONTINUING THE HEALING PROCESS BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE

Two years ago, in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, March 26th was proclaimed, "Moulin Rouge Agreement Day," by Mayor Carolyn Goodman of Las Vegas. The original agreement, signed on March 26, 1960, was the first agreement to allow African American entertainers or guests to stay in or be served in the casinos. Prior to this agreement in 1960, African Americans could neither be guests nor work in the casinos.

Today, with the pressing issues of division and ill-feeling between races becoming of greater national concern, Ms. Katherine Duncan, on behalf of the Ward 5 Chamber of Commerce and Harrison House, wanted to see a program to once again affirm this agreement, putting it in the context of reconciliation and healing. To commemorate that event, she requested the participation of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and Women's Federation for World Peace to hold a panel discussion, culminating in a Bridge of Peace Ceremony on that date this year.

Mrs. Leslie Rigney and Ms. Katherine Duncan jointly emceed the first portion of the program. An opening prayer was given by Rev. Herbert Brown. Then Ms. Jerushia McDonald Hylton and Ms. Sandy Kastel sang a wonderful rendition of "God Bless America," eliciting wide-spread participation from the audience.

Mrs. Rigney, on behalf of Universal Peace Federation, spoke of the need for healing and reconciliation, which ultimately starts with the individual and the family putting into practice the concept that we are "One Family under God."

Ms. Monica Lenoir led the Panel Discussion entitled "Challenges to Equal Access and Inclusion: The Power of Reconciliation and Healing." The panelists included Mrs. Janie Greenspun-Gale, daughter of Mr. Hank Greenspun, Founder of the Las Vegas Sun Newspaper, who helped initiate the Moulin Rouge Agreement; Ms. Roxanne McCoy, President of the NAACP; Mr. Niger Innes, National Spokesperson for the Congress of Racial Equality, who serves on the Congressional

Las Vegas Sun Panelists

Advocacy Team for the Tea Party; Ms. Mary Perry, a long-time advocate for inclusion and equality of opportunity, currently practicing law in Las Vegas; and Mr. Richard de Sena, President of UPF USA.

Many aspects of the issue were discussed including how the individual, family, civic leaders, and the media all contribute to both the problem and the solutions. A respectful atmosphere was maintained throughout the discussions. After the discussion, the panelists were honored by being appointed Ambassadors for Peace by UPF.

At that point in the program, there was an opportunity for the participants to write down any of their hurts or pains, repentance, or forgiveness regarding these issues, and the papers were prayed over for liberation and healing by Rev. Cheryl James and Mr. Jim Rigney.

Ms. Duncan then introduced Ms. Sera Hirano to emcee the WFWP portion of the program. Ms. Hirano introduced Ms. Kinesha McDaniel and Ms. Debbie Fiala, who sang a beautiful duet of 'Love Can Build a Bridge," and gave a short presentation about WFWP. She then introduced Mrs. Mary Hida, WFWP Las Vegas Chapter Chairwoman. She introduced the Bridge of Peace Ceremony, presented an historic video, and conducted the actual crossing ceremony. Three pairs made up of the panelists crossed and four additional pairs of dignitaries from the audience crossed the bridge to peace on that occasion.

A light buffet dinner was served, followed by entertainment. Kelesio Howard brought in several local entertainers creating a very dynamic and fun Celebration Peace Festival. There was dancing, lots of sharing, and many friendships made before the evening ended.