The sound of music and the spirit of unity filled the King Center’s Freedom Hall Plaza on Sunday as Mayor Andre Dickens received the 2025 Ambassador for Peace Award during the annual Pianos for Peace closing ceremony. The award, presented on the International Day of Peace, celebrated Dickens’ commitment to building equity, opportunity, and harmony across Atlanta.
Hosted by Pianos for Peace Founder and CEO Malek Jandali and joined by Dr. Bernice King, the event brought together artists, community leaders, and residents for an afternoon of recognition and live music. This year’s celebration featured the vibrant pianos that have been placed across the city, each designed to inspire connection and joy in public spaces.
Mayor Dickens thanked the organization for its work and emphasized the deeper meaning of peace.
“People sometimes think that peace only means the absence of conflict,” he said. “Peace can also be the promise of opportunity—the peace that comes when every child has the chance to thrive, when families have stable housing, and when neighborhoods are healthy and accessible.”
The Mayor also praised Pianos for Peace for making art accessible to all. “Having 50 beautiful pianos placed around the city does more than change the landscape. Conversations are taking place. People are experiencing joy and wonder in places they didn’t expect. That is a special kind of peace.”
The ceremony closed with a concert that showcased local talent and reminded attendees why Atlanta is proud to be home to such a movement. With the Ambassador for Peace Award in hand, Dickens reflected that the honor is not only recognition, but also a challenge to continue building a city where peace can be lived through equity, opportunity, and creativity.
