Council Spotlight
Peace Day in Honor of Mattie J. T. Stepanek
On July 16, 2024, Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Gabe Albornoz and Dawn Luedtke presented a proclamation to Jeni Stepanek to honor the life & legacy of her son Mattie Stepanek and recognize his birthday, July 17, as Peace Day. Mattie spent his life inspiring millions around the world with his mission of Peace.
Mattie Stepanek was a seven-time New York Times best-selling author, lyricist, and American poet, and before his death at the age 13, he became known as a peace advocate and motivational speaker. In commemoration of his life and legacy, a 26-acre namesake park and playground, with a statue and peace garden, was created in 2008 in his King Farm neighborhood in Montgomery County.