LONG BEACH -- U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters visited with schoolchildren and educators aboard the Queen Mary Monday to thank them for contributing to a book that will go to the president and first lady for distribution to children's hospitals.
The senior Los Angeles Democrat praised "Colors of Love and Peace," a collection of artwork and messages by students from the 186th Street School in Gardena. Artist and poet Fereidun Shokatfard, whose wife teaches at the school, conceived the book, and the Dalai Lama penned the forward.
"I'm so honored to have been asked to deliver these books to President and first lady Obama," said Waters, who planned to take a box of books back to Washington. "This book encapsulates what is great, beautiful and true about children and their capacity to understand, create and love."
The book's cover shows a campus mural celebrating "peacemakers," such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa and Cesar Chavez.
Michelle and Barack Obama are expected to give copies of "Colors of Love and Peace" to a Washington, D.C., children's hospital. Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster gave a copy to Miller Children's Hospital. Other copies are headed to schools in Boston, Chicago, New York and South America.
Speaking inside the veneered walls of the Art Deco Queen Salon, Waters told the diverse group of pupils from the 186th Street School that, "the President of the United States will read (the book)."
Before Waters spoke, a children's choir performed in the native dress of Peru, Russia, Thailand and other countries. Children sang "Over the Rainbow," "It's a Small World" and other standards.
Following the performance, Marcia Sidney-Reed, principal of the 186th Street School, praised supporters of the book project.
"We salute you all for being here because you are going to be deemed foot soldiers for peace," she said.
In addition, the Queen Mary announced an art contest that will give K-8 children from across the country the opportunity to compete in various mediums, including painting and sculpture.
The contest is open to individuals, not groups, and takes place through Oct. 31.
Submissions must will go to the marketing department at the Queen Mary. Judges will choose three sets of four winners each by age groups. Prizes include a two-night stay on the ship and general admission passes.
Winners' work will be displayed on the Queen Mary website and sent to the Dalai Lama.
For information, visit www.queenmary.com
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