It’s Hot in July—But It’s Time for Peace July brings the heat, and sadly, it also brings a rise in violence across our communities. That’s why this is the perfect time to gather for a day of peace, love, and harmony while enjoying Edenton’s beautiful waterfront. Good food, good company, and moments of reflection are exactly what we need to cool off and focus on peace. You’ll find all of this and more at SnoDay in July. Why “SnoDay”? “Sno” was the nickname given to my son Marcus by his peers. Its true origins are unknown, but perhaps it’s because the love Marcus shared with his friends and family was as pure as freshly fallen snow. Maybe it’s because Marcus was simply “cool”—and snow, after all, is cool. For some, hearing “Sno” in this context may feel uncomfortable. We understand. But we ask you to consider the world through the eyes of our youth and young adults. Their culture, style, and language may feel unconventional, but it’s how they express themselves, connect with each other, and show love. Marcus was born on July 15, 1995, and he and his peers are part of Generation Z—a generation known for boldness, creativity, and doing things in their own way. Is it really surprising that they would embrace a nickname that challenges comfort zones? Understanding the language of our youth helps us reach them, guide them, and love them as they are. At The Marcus Jackson Project, we ask: Will you turn away from youth and young adults who may feel lost, or will you run toward them with open arms? We hope you will join us in refusing to normalize violence and mental health struggles in our communities. We believe our communities can succeed and become beautiful, safe places for everyone. SnoDay in July is a positive event—a day of family, fun, food, and love. On this day, we celebrate Marcus and others lost to the violence epidemic. We offer support to survivors through love and understanding, we raise awareness, and we provide alternatives to violence. We host SnoDay in July because we believe that peace is possible.