Written By Daiem Mohammad and Robael Bereket

(Daiem and Robael are youth journalists with the FOCUS Media Arts Centre)

As more and more Canadians get vaccinated and Ontario begins to open up, many outdoor events are starting to happen. In Regent Park this summer, Mothers of Peace is teaming up with the Paint Box Bistro, Daniels, TCHC and United Way to present a weekly cultural bazaar.

Mothers of Peace is an organization based out of Regent Park operated by family members and mothers of the community.  The violence prevention group was formed to strengthen families and address the mental stress that can come with the trauma of inner-city violence.

Mothers of Peace actively organizes healing circles for the families of victims of gun violence. Healing circles exist as an outlet for family members to let up their emotions, oftentimes through crying. While the pandemic has forced these healing circles to go virtual, it does not minimize the impact on family members and has only strengthened the bonds within the community and aided people in healing.

The group also supports income generation through skill development workshops and programs in the community. In Regent Park, a neighbourhood where so many are struggling with financial insecurity, the impacts of these workshops cannot be understated or go unnoticed.

Mothers of Peace often organizes trips for community members outside of the city. These trips provide a chance to see other parts of the country, gain new perspectives, and re-energize themselves to further help their community.  The group also supports income generation through skill development workshops and programs in the community. In Regent Park, a neighbourhood where so many residents experience financial insecurity, the impacts of these workshops cannot be understated or go unnoticed.

Mothers of Peace is committed to organizing community-building events. In light of recent Islamophobic hate crimes and the uncovering of mass unmarked graves at former residential schools, the group organized a candlelight vigil to stand in solidarity with the indigenous and Muslim communities.

This summer, Mothers of Peace has organized a weekly Cultural Bazaar. The bazaar will be an opportunity for people from around the world to share their cultures alongside one another. With all the hard work that they are doing for the Regent Park community, events like the Cultural Bazaar are a great way to relax and spend time with community members.

In addition to food around the world, the bazaar features, music, arts and crafts, jewelry, henna, hot and cold beverages, popcorn & cotton candy and clothes.

The Regent Park Cultural Bazaar takes place every Friday throughout the summer months of July and August until August 27th, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, outside of 660 Dundas Street East, close to the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre. Come join us!