It’s a pleasure to be here in Egleston Square to dedicate the Peace Garden. With its green bushes and colorful flowers, this place looks terrific. But this is no ordinary garden; it was made by the hands of young men and women who care a great deal about this community. It was planted with dreams. It was pruned with love. And from its roots, hope will sprout.

Just a few years ago, there were some people who had lost hope for this neighborhood. But where some saw problems, others saw potential. Where some saw an eyesore, others saw an opportunity, and turned this vacant lot into a beautiful garden. That’s because they understood that the strength of this neighborhood is its diversity.

The Peace Garden -- like the mural that serves as its backdrop – captures that diversity. It captures that hope. Hope that no more young lives will be taken by violence on these streets. Like the one taken from Pedro Sajouz, who was gunned down 2 days before his graduation from Greater Egleston Community High School.

It’s that love of community that has propelled the renaissance of Egleston. Just look at how far we’ve come: Property values are up; Vacancy rates are down; And new businesses are opening all the time, bringing vitality to the business district.

I want to thank the students of Greater Egleston Community High School for their hard work this project. Your hard work and dedication is an inspiration to all of us. Your love for this community is evident to us all.

I want to thank: The Egleston Square Coalition; The Egleston Square Neighborhood Association; ESAC; Egleston Square Main Street. And especially the students of Greater Egleston Community High School. Thank you.