David Matos stood sweltering in the sun in front of the Statehouse for hours on April 11.

Matos is the president of the Carolina Peace Resource Center, a Columbia volunteer organization advocating for world peace. Since 1981, the goal of the resource center has been to advance peace through research and education. 

It also communicates directly with elected representatives and educates the public by sending out hand bills and creating news announcements.

The group gathers at the Statehouse every Saturday to raise awareness about international wars. On April 11, Matos held up a simple sign as he waved at passing cars. It said “End War in Iran.”

“We are out here protesting, calling for an end to the war on Iran and in Lebanon,” he said. “We think this is an unnecessary, illegal and costly war, which cost our country almost $50 billion already. It has cost many lives – our own service, many, many civilians.”

Matos said the Carolina Peace Resource Center allows volunteers and activists to  come together and voice their opinions on the things that matter the most. The group hosts monthly gatherings at the Grow Cafe on Elmwood Avenue, featuring guest speakers, presentations and group discussions. 

“Last month, David Meyer gave a presentation about the pro-Palestinian movement in Ireland,” said group member Walter Derek. 

Derek was introduced to activism in 2025 through a Nickelodeon Theater documentary about Palestine. He wanted a chance to appear publicly and express an opinion, and the Carolina Peace Resource Center allowed him to do that. 

“A lot of very bad things are happening to a lot of people right now, (and the United States is) one of the few countries that’s powerful enough to do something about it,” Derek said. 

Kenin McKinney said he considers himself a friend of the Carolina Peace Resource Center. He doesn’t go to the monthly meetings, but he likes to join them when they protest at the Statehouse.

McKinney showed his support of the organization April 11 through a musical performance about peace.

“It adds a lot of color and a lot of energy to the general vibe of things,” he said.

McKinney said the April 11 event was different from previous scheduled meetings because it focused specifically on peace in Iran. 

 Derek said even though this war exists on the other side of the ocean, Iran is still important to the United States and to Columbia. The Carolina Peace Resource Center is trying to give perspective to people beyond what impacts their personal lives.

“Not that our own interests aren’t valid,” Derek said. “But there is more to it than that.” 

Protesters raise their signs to passing cars to advocate peace. Photo by Simone Meyer/The Carolina Reporter