NYN Special Correspondent :
A message of peace moved through the streets of Jamaica, Queens, before turning into hands-on community service at Captain Tilly Park, where young people, local leaders, and volunteers joined a combined peace walk and park cleanup.
The Hillside Summer Youth Peace Walk 2026 and the cleanup were held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, bringing together residents around the themes of unity, respect, public service, and opposition to hate. The walk began at the Save the People USA, or STPUSA, office at 87-41 165th Street, continued to the Jamaica Muslim Center, and then reached Captain Tilly Park.
The original route also included planned stops outside the Sri Chinmoy Center and the First United Methodist Church on Highland Avenue. Those final visits were canceled after rain affected the schedule. Despite the weather, participants continued with the main activities and gathered at the park for the cleanup, which was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the 165th Street and 85th Avenue playground area.
Those present included Mohammad Fakhrul Islam Delwar, president of the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society, Saif Alom, president of the Jamaica Hills Community Association, Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, CEO of Save the People USA, and Bitihara Martha Fulton, a community board member connected with the parks division. A representative from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation also attended, along with STPUSA members and volunteers.
Volunteers from the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run later joined the gathering, participated in the event, and took photographs with community members. The broader group of participating and supporting organizations included the Partnership for Captain Tilly Park, Jamaica Hill Community Association, 67th Precinct Clergy Council, known as The GodSquad, and the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes.
The combined event linked a public message with direct action. Participants promoted “No Hate, Only Peace” while cleaning shared park space and strengthening ties among youth, faith groups, civic organizations, and city representatives.
Though rain shortened the planned route, the central purpose remained intact. The gathering showed how a neighborhood peace campaign could move beyond words, giving volunteers a practical way to care for their community while standing together against hate.
Youth, faith leaders, and volunteers take part in a peace walk and cleanup
Queens organizations combine anti-hate outreach with public service
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