Written by Giavanna Foster

The city of Minneapolis will serve as the launch pad to a major national leadership conference. Grammy-winning music legend Stevie Wonder and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, former NAACP President, will headline the Conference of Peace. Here’s the scoop:

Stevie Wonder is an icon, philanthropist, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and 25-time Grammy Award winner. Stevie has expressed his concern towards humanitarian issues throughout his career through singing, songwriting, and speaking to global audiences. His music illustrates the light of hope and healing, which resonates with people around the world. Also, Stevie Wonder is a United Nations Messenger of Peace. To watch his 2016 International Day of Peace speech, see the YouTube video (above).

“You can do well in this life… Love your family first, take care of your body and mind, and use your God-given talent to make a difference,” Stevie Wonder said.

Benjamin Chavis is a former NAACP president and celebrated African-American civil rights leader. Also, Chavis is the youngest NAACP Executive Director and CEO. In addition to securing his B.A. in chemistry from the University of North Carolina, Chavis is the founder and CEO of the National African American Leadership Summit. Also, he is the current president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Stevie Wonder and Benjamin Chavis are joining forces with community leaders to address the issue of violence in communities throughout Minneapolis. The goal of the conference is to educate youth and adults in underserved communities through grassroots methods of leadership and empowerment. This conference also aims to reduce youth and adult violence nationwide.

On June 17, Wonder and Chavis are scheduled to speak with other community leaders converging in the city of Minneapolis. The Conference of Peace will take place at the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. This two-day conference will begin with a town hall meeting on June 16 at 6pm, followed by a full day of panels and speakers on June 17 from 9:15am to 8pm. The Conference of Peace is open to the public, free of charge.

Keynote speakers Stevie Wonder and Benjamin Chavis are currently scheduled to appear on June 17th. Click here to view the full schedule.

Click here to visit the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church’s website.