Unity Through Creativity took the spotlight at the El Paso City Council meeting on September 3, 2025, as founder Laurie Marshall passionately advocated for peace and community connection. Marshall emphasized that peace is not merely a feeling but a practice that involves constructive conflict resolution and fostering connections rather than divisions.

The meeting highlighted the upcoming International Day of Peace Symposium, set for September 20 at UTEP's Thomas Rivera Center. This event, which coincides with the global celebration of peace, aims to engage the community through art, dialogue, and collaboration. Marshall noted that last year, 55 million people worldwide participated in this celebration, underscoring its significance.

The symposium will feature a unique project called the Singing Tree Project, where participants can contribute their artistic expressions of "light in the darkness" on leaves and birds, benefiting local organizations like Candlelighters, which supports children with cancer.

Marshall's remarks resonated with the council, particularly her call for kindness and dignity in building a welcoming community. She linked the goals of economic development, quality of life, and infrastructure improvement to the creative potential of El Paso's residents, suggesting that fostering creativity could lead to greater prosperity and conflict resolution.

The event promises a day filled with speakers, art creation, and community engagement, reinforcing the message that peace is a collective effort. As the city prepares for this celebration, the emphasis on unity and creativity stands as a hopeful reminder of the power of community action.