July 20, 2007 – Over 1400 inner city youths joined Sidewalk Sam at City Hall Plaza to “Paint for Peace” and help curb youth violence in Boston.

The giant Dove of Peace was really beautiful! The participating groups were inspired by their part in the endeavor. Teen Empowerment, Inc organized youthful spokepersons to convey a message of peace through songs, poems and personal statements. City Councillor Charles Yancey congratulated the youth on their participation and declared July 20 as “Paint for Peace” Day in Boston.

Now we are moving forward on the “Neighborhood Dove Project” and it is already gaining momentum, with the first small Dove painted in Allston.

By working with neighborhood organizations, religious and community groups to identify special locations that will bring the message of peace to areas most affected by violence. we plan to have 600 small doves created by youths in their own communities. Watch for them and applaud these young people dedicated to peace in our streets.

We are very grateful to the following contributors for their vision and generous support of this program.

The City of Boston
Thomas M. Menino, Mayor
Boston City Council

The Mayflower Foundation
Cabot Corporation
VSA arts, Massachusetts

Clean Harbors, Inc.
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Capital Media Group
Robert L. Beal
Stop Hangun Violence
The Bay State Federal Savings Charitable Foundation
Katsiroubas Bros. Wholesale Fruit & Produce
Disilva Fruit Distributors
Brookline Ice & Coal
Roche Brothers
Tropical Foods
Fair Foods

BU College of Fine Arts ~ Visual Arts Summer Institute
Teen Empowerment
Boston Centers for Youth and Families
Boston Cares