On the corner of University Drive and Squirrel Road on Oakland University’s campus, demonstrators have smiled and waved at cars driving past every second Friday each month for the last eight years.

Beginning at 4 p.m. in the winter and 5 p.m. when the weather warms up, the group stands on the corner for one hour to rally for peace.

The group of activists stem from the Peace and Justice Group of St. John Fisher Chapel University Parish, located on Walton Boulevard in Auburn Hills, but the idea to protest violence came at a farther reach.

 

How they got started

When the war in Iraq began, a group from the congregation decided to express their feelings about those being deployed overseas. They drew inspiration from Women in Black, a group from Iraq.

Women in Black is not an organization but a way for women across the globe to express themselves in their hope for peace.

“It was the whole idea of sacrificing our young men and women for killing other young men and women and civilians, I mean we just think (war is) morally wrong,” said Joanne Stroebel, an original member of the group.

The number of active members ranges from 10 to 25. Recently the group added American flags and signs that read, “Honk for Peace.” The additions came when the demonstrators realized the public may not understand their purpose, according to Stroebel.

The group knows some drivers do not agree with what they are doing, but they do not let that discourage them.

“We know some people think we are crazy, but we aren’t doing it as a popularity contest. We are doing it to show people who feel like we do that there are people who are willing to do this,” said Liz Loria, an original member of the group.

 

Expanding their group 

The protest group started from the church but soon added members of the community without regard to political preference or religion.

They want to include as many people as possible in their search for an end to violence.

For more information about the rally for peace, contact St. John Fisher’s Chapel University Parish at 248-370-2189.

 

Contact Staff Intern Ashley Mohler via email at [email protected]