Families of Peace

Our purpose: to understand how strong families nurture heroes of peace.

What are the timeless qualities of family, friends, allies and community that made these events possible:

a Baptist preacher from Atlanta becomes a beacon of equality for the world: Martin Luther King, Jr.
a student activist from a Transkei village provides a vision of reconciliation and justice for the African continent: President Nelson Mandela
a young lawyer from Porbandar leads India to independence through contemplation and non-violence: Mahatma Gandhi
a strong girl from Skopje North Macedonia leads legions of people around the world in works of compassion and healing: Mother Teresa
a kãnaka maoli lady of the original people of Hawai’i overcomes imprisonment and the force of arms with forgiveness: Queen Lili’uokalani
the son of scholars in Huaian, China helps lead his nation to independence and unity, through practice of the roots of peace: Premier Zhou Enlai

Through the words and stories of these families, we begin to understand the dynamics of the peacemaker — in ourselves and our communities.

Special Recognition 2023:
Chief Arvol Looking Horse

In addition to the six historic peace leaders described here, whose legacy is complete and well known, we have selected Chief Arvol Looking Horse, an important Traditional Spiritual Leader of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Oyate, known as the Great Sioux Nation, for special recognition in 2023.

The mission of Chief Arvol Looking Horse is not yet concluded; it is still growing, and the significance of his presence, as the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Bundle, is being recognized more and more.

The importance of the role of the Indigenous Peoples in establishing and providing depth and insight to America and Canada grows, with Chief Arvol Looking Horse and many others leading the way in dignity and power.

Peace is an ever-evolving story, renewed for each generation.