The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is extremely fortunate to have Reba Parker, one of Charlie Magazine’s 2013 Fifty Most Progressive, as an adjunct faculty member. The following article is from Charlie Magazine’s 2013 Fifty Most Progressive issue.
Paving the Way Towards Peace
Words by: Jason A. Zwiker
Photo by: Karson Photography
The first thing you notice when you walk into Reba Parker’s office at the College of Charleston is the photographs: huge sepia prints of people you know – Linda Ketner, Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Cyrus Buffum, the Folly Beach roots-rock band Dangermuffin – holding signs with personal messages of peace.
“We asked people to make their own commitment,” Reba says.
Variety is the point because, as Reba will tell you, peace is no one thing. If your concept of the Peace Movement remains a faded circa 1969 image of John and Yoko at the Amsterdam Hilton, Reba encourages you to brush up on what’s happening now.
“Peace is about how we relate to the environment and how we relate to one another. It’s about interconnection and sustainability.”
Reba, a sociology professor, takes her own personal responsibility for a better tomorrow seriously. She founded Charleston Peace One Day, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to fostering intercultural cooperation and nonviolence, launched the Charleston Peace One Day Festival, planted Peace Poles in parks, on campuses, and throughout the community and taught college classes on peace.
“This is a movement that’s growing faster all t he time. I used to say that I was trying to push the message out there. Now, I’m just trying to keep up with it.”