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Azim Khamisa is an inspiration. This is a powerful episode where Azim shares then and now. It was wonderful to hear the update on Tony Hicks and his Grandfather as well. Please enjoy this special episode.Following the loss of his only son Tariq in 1995 to a senseless, gang-related murder, Azim chose the path of forgiveness and compassion rather than revenge and bitterness. This amazing choice led to the establishment of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (www.TKF.org) and the subsequent forgiveness movement which has reached millions. Founded by Azim Khamisa in honor of his son, the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) was established in 1995 after Tariq Khamisa, a 20-year-old college student was killed by Tony Hicks, a 14-year-old gang member. Tony became the first child in California under the age of 16 to be convicted as an adult. He was sentenced 25 years to life in prison. Believing there were “victims on both ends of the gun,” Tariq's father, Azim Khamisa, reached out in forgiveness to Tony's grandfather, Ples Felix, to begin the process of healing; together they established TKF. TKF's goal is to stop youth violence through education, mentorship, and community service programs.Hailed by dignitaries such as the Dalai Lama, former President Bill Clinton, and Al Gore, Azim carries his inspirational message of forgiveness, peace, leadership, and hope into a world in desperate need of each.
We've talked a lot about the emotional aspects of leadership on this podcast, and the concept of vulnerability is (I hope) a through-line that appears in each episode. But there is another emotion that I don't think we've covered in-depth: forgiveness.Now, I know we've touched on this idea, especially in the realm of forgiving one's self, but I can't say we've ever dedicated an entire episode to the concept. That is until this week. Not only has my guest become a master on the subject of forgiveness, he has done so in response to one of the most heartbreaking tragedies one can imagine - the loss of a child. Azim Khamisa was an international banker pursuing the American Dream when in 1995 his only son, Tariq, was murdered while delivering pizzas part-time. Tariq's killer, Tony Hicks, was only 14. He would become the youngest person in California history to be tried as an adult. These facts alone would have made Azim's story a notable one, but it was the steps he took after his son's murder that make it one for the history books. Shortly after losing Tariq, Azim met with Tony's grandfather, Ples Felix, and together they began what is today known as the Tariq Khamisa Foundation with a mission to teach non-violence and conflict management to young people. And the foundation of their work is rooted in radical forgiveness and restorative justice. Azim and I discuss what it means to truly forgive, the necessity for a belief in something bigger than yourself, and why violence is a behavior that can be - thankfully - unlearned. This one is definitely on the heavier side, but I think it's well worth the listen. Enjoy the show! -Azim's TED Talk-Azim's Books-Azim's Courses
Azim Khamisa is an inspiration and I first heard about him throughThe Forgiveness Project and his wonderful TED talk with Ples Felix, thegrandfather of the man who shot his son.He has been hailed by dignitaries such as the Dalai Lama, former President BillClinton, and Al Gore; Azim carries his inspirational message of forgiveness,peace, leadership and hope into the world.Following the murder of his son in 1995, Azim Khamisa founded the TariqKhamisa Foundation (TKF.org), which started a subsequent forgivenessmovement that has reached millions.Every time I hear him speak I am moved, especially when he talks about therebeing two victims at both ends of the gun and had that realisation just a fewhours after his son had been shot.He has received over 80 local, national and international awards:- In 1997 he received the National Crime Victims Special CommunityService Award presented by President Clinton and Attorney General JanetReno. - In 2002, he received Search for Common Ground's prestigious awardalongside Desmond Tutu and Ted Koppel- In 2004, he participated in the Synthesis Dialogues with His Holiness the DalaiLama which was hosted by Pope John Paul at his summer palace inCastelgandolfo, Italy - In 2006 he was given the "Spirit of Crazy HorseAward from the Reclaiming Youth Network alongside Mohammad Ali.- In addition, Azim has been the recipient of the California Peace Prize in 2003and the Pepsi Freedom Heroes Award in 2006. He has received several otherPeacemaker of the Year awards.With a strong passion to share his message with the youth and to inspirenonviolent leaders become proactive as peacebuilders, Azim, in addition, hasgiven over 1,000 presentations to over a million students worldwide. He is apublished author of five books.Some key points from our interview:How he believes that the universe doesn't give us any more pain than you can handle.How he reached out in forgiveness to Tony Hicks grandfather, Ples Felixto begin the process of healing and together they established the TariqKhamisa Foundation. How being a Sufi Muslim has supported him during his grief process andguided him for the future.How when he first met Tony in prison he says he was able to climb intohis eyes and touch his humanity and realised that the spark in him wasno different from himself.How he supported Tony in prison and advocated for his parole hearing.How he started the Tariq Khamisa Foundation to “Kids killing kids”through education, mentorship and community service programsYou can find out more about Azim here:https://www.azimkhamisa.comhttps://www.ted.com/talks/azim_khamisa_and_ples_felix_what_comes_after_tragedy_forgiveness* * * You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken, from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/Watch the Podcast via YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken
Azim Khamisa is an author,a social, peace activist,a thoughtful leader, and inspirational speaker. He earns his reputation after his 20-year-old son, Tariq, was gun down when he was delivering pizzas in January 1995 by Tony Hicks, a 14-year-old gang member, in a random act of gang violence. Out of unspeakable grief and despair, he was inspired to transform his loss through the miraculous power of forgiveness. Believing that there were “victims at both ends of the gun,” Azim forgave Tony and founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation to break the cycle of youth violence by saving lives, teaching peace, and planting seeds of hope in their future. One month after establishing the foundation, he invited Ples Felix, Tony’s grandfather and guardian, to join him. Together since November 1995, both men have reached half a million elementary, middle, and high school students and many more millions through social media, television, radio and print interviews, guiding the youth to choose a peacemaker’s life of non-violence and forgiveness. Azim has given over 1,000 presentations to over a million students worldwide and has served as TKF's founder and chairperson for over 23 years. He is the author of four books and has been featured countless times in local, national and international media. In 2017. I was Able to meet Azim Khamisa in one of the Rotary international conference in Las Veges, I found out Azim was born in Kenya, Africa. and grow up in Uganda during Idda Amen and educated in England in mathematics. They were able to flew Uganda to USA in early seventy hoping to get a better education for their children. He has over 45 years of experience as a successful international investment banker. Azim provides an external business perspective to the governance and operations of TKF. He has committed his life to halting the continuing cycle of violence among youth.
Friends Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix share a fondness for spicy food and wine, but their relationship has a deeper and more profound resonance. They volunteer to talk to young people about ways to stop gun violence. Because more than 20 years ago, Ples's grandson killed Azim's son. Neal Razzell hears their story. Image: L: Azim Khamisa and R: Ples Felix Credit: Tariq Khamisa Foundation
In January of 1995, Ples Felix’s 14-year-old grandson murdered Azim Khamisa’s son in a gang initiation. But the story does not end there. From this tragic murder emerges a story of understanding, reconciliation and the beginning of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation which is devoted to stopping teen violence. Listen to the latest episode of The […] The post Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix | Forgiveness and Collaboration appeared first on Mission Network.
Awake 2 Oneness Radio with Inspirational Speaker and Author Azim Khamisa on Friday, August 10, 2018 at 7:00 PM EDT. This show was pre-recorded. It was such an honor to have Azim as my guest! He is demonstrating and embodying the TRUE essence of Forgiveness. Not only has he founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF), which is dedicated to teaching and inspiring forgiveness, hope and peace in students and putting an end to gang violence. Azim is also working closely with Ples Felix, the grandfather of the 14 year boy who killed his only son Tariq, a 20 year old college student 23 years ago. Azim is an inspiration for us all! He is hailed by dignitaries such as the Dalai Lama, President Bill Clinton and Al Gore. He carries his inspirational message of forgiveness, peace and hope into a world in desperate need of Peace and Unity. After the murder of his only son Tariq in 1995 to a senseless gang shooting, Azim chose the path of forgiveness and compassion rather than revenge and bitterness. This amazing choice led to the establishment of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF), and the subsequent Forgiveness Movement which has reached millions. You can learn more about Azim and TKF on these websites: http://www.azimkhamisa.com/ https://tkf.org/
On one awful night in 1995, Ples Felix's 14-year-old grandson murdered Azim Khamisa's son in a gang initiation fueled by drugs, alcohol and a false sense of belonging. The deadly encounter sent Khamisa and Felix down paths of deep meditation, to forgive and to be forgiven -- and in an act of bravery and reconciliation, the two men met and forged a lasting bond. Together, they've used their story as an outline for a better, more merciful society, where victims of tragedy can grow and heal. Prepare to be moved by their unimaginable story. "Peace is possible," Khamisa says. "How do I know that? Because I am at peace." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On one awful night in 1995, Ples Felix's 14-year-old grandson murdered Azim Khamisa's son in a gang initiation fueled by drugs, alcohol and a false sense of belonging. The deadly encounter sent Khamisa and Felix down paths of deep meditation, to forgive and to be forgiven -- and in an act of bravery and reconciliation, the two men met and forged a lasting bond. Together, they've used their story as an outline for a better, more merciful society, where victims of tragedy can grow and heal. Prepare to be moved by their unimaginable story. "Peace is possible," Khamisa says. "How do I know that? Because I am at peace."
1995년의 어느 끔찍한 밤에 플레스 펠릭스씨의 14살 아들은 마약과 술, 그릇된 소속감에 빠져 갱단의 신고식으로 아짐 카미사씨의 아들을 살해했습니다. 이러한 치명적 만남은 카미사씨와 펠릭스씨를 깊은 명상의 세계로 이끌어 관용을 갖게 했고, 용기와 화해를 바탕으로 두 사람은 서로 만나 인연의 끈을 이어왔습니다. 비극의 희생자들이 회복되고 치유받을 수 있는 보다 평화로운 사회를 만들기 위해 두 사람은 자신들의 이야기를 함께 설파해왔습니다. 상상조차 할 수 없는 이야기에 감동 받으실 준비가 되셨나요? 카미사씨는 이렇게 얘기합니다. "평화는 가능한 일이죠. 어떻게 아냐고요? 제가 평화롭기 때문이에요."
En una horrible noche de 1995, el nieto de 14 años de Ples Felix asesinó al hijo de Azim Khamisa en una iniciación de pandillas alimentada por las drogas, el alcohol y una falsa sensación de pertenencia. El letal encuentro llevó a Khamisa y Felix por caminos de profunda meditación, para perdonar y ser perdonado y, en un acto de valentía y reconciliación, los dos hombres se conocieron y forjaron un lazo perdurable. Juntos, usan su historia como un camino hacia una sociedad mejor y más piadosa, donde las víctimas de tragedias puedan crecer y curar. Prepárate para conmoverte con una historia inimaginable. "La paz es posible", dice Khamisa. "¿Cómo lo sé? Porque estoy en paz".
Em uma noite horrível de 1995, o neto de 14 anos de Ples Felix assassinou o filho de Azim Khamisa em uma iniciação de gangues estimulada por drogas, álcool e uma falsa sensação de aceitação. O encontro mortal enviou Khamisa e Felix a caminhos de meditação profunda, para perdoarem e serem perdoados. Em um ato de bravura e reconciliação, os dois homens se encontraram e formaram um vínculo duradouro. Juntos, usaram a história deles como um perfil para uma sociedade melhor e mais humana, em que as vítimas de uma tragédia podem crescer e se curar. Prepare-se para se emocionar com a história inimaginável deles. "A paz é possível", diz Khamisa. "Como sei disso? Porque eu estou em paz".
Ples Felix nous raconte cette nuit terrible en 1995 où son petit-fils de 14 ans, sous les effets de la drogue, de l'alcool et d'un faux sentiment d'appartenance, a tué le fils d'Azim Khamisa lors d'une initiation dans un gang. Cette rencontre née sous le signe de la mort a porté Khamisa et Felix à suivre le chemin de la méditation et du pardon et, dans une volonté de courage et de réconciliation, les deux hommes se sont rencontrés, créant des liens infrangibles. Ensemble, ils partagent leur histoire dans le but de créer une société basée sur la compassion, où les victimes de telles tragédies peuvent guérir et faire leur deuil. Préparez-vous à être bouleversé par cette incroyable histoire. Azim Khamisa nous assure : « La paix est possible. Comment est-ce que je le sais ? Car je suis en paix. »
“This man’s grandson killed this man’s son.” This is how our guest, Azim Khamisa, is often introduced when he appears before groups gathered to hear him speak. His story begins back in 1995 when his only son, Tariq – a 20-year-old student – was shot and killed while delivering pizzas in San Diego. His killer, Tony Hicks, became the first 14-year-old to stand trial as an adult in the state of California. Tony received a 25-year-to-life prison sentence. Not long after his son’s death, Azim founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation – an organization committed to stopping children from killing children. He also invited Tony’s grandfather and guardian, Ples Felix, to join him in this cause, and the two of them have since been sitting side-by-side on stages across the country sharing the power of forgiveness. Azim has also forgiven Tony, lobbied for his release from prison, and plans to hire him at the Tariq Khamisa Foundation when he is freed.
When Azim Khamisa's only son, twenty year old Tariq, was murdered by a fourteen year old boy, his immediate thought, beyond reason, was that two lives had been lost. Drowning in a sea of grief, he knew he had to bring meaning back into his life if he was to truly live again. But what could he do that would somehow honor his son and contribute in the world? Founding the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, he put his energy into doing all he could to prevent other young people from meeting the fate of his son and the boy who killed him. Reaching out to Ples Felix, the grandfather who was raising his son's murderer, was a natural step for Azim, building forgiveness and coming together to improve the chances that others would not have to live through what either of them has. Although Azim doesn't know entirely why forgiveness was his immediate path, it has led him to a life of passionate service and fulfillment despite an unbearable loss. What does he have to teach us about this choice?
When Azim Khamisa's only son, twenty year old Tariq, was murdered by a fourteen year old boy, his immediate thought, beyond reason, was that two lives had been lost. Drowning in a sea of grief, he knew he had to bring meaning back into his life if he was to truly live again. But what could he do that would somehow honor his son and contribute in the world? Founding the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, he put his energy into doing all he could to prevent other young people from meeting the fate of his son and the boy who killed him. Reaching out to Ples Felix, the grandfather who was raising his son's murderer, was a natural step for Azim, building forgiveness and coming together to improve the chances that others would not have to live through what either of them has. Although Azim doesn't know entirely why forgiveness was his immediate path, it has led him to a life of passionate service and fulfillment despite an unbearable loss. What does he have to teach us about this choice?
Aired Sunday, 1 May 2016, 2:00 PM ETAllayah has the pleasure of introducing you to a MAN OF COMPASSION, Azim Khamisa.Azim Khamisa is an inspiration. Hailed by dignitaries such as the Dalai Lama, Former President Bill Clinton and Al Gore, Azim carries his inspirational message of forgiveness, peace and hope into a world in desperate need of each. Following the loss of his only son Tariq in 1995 to a senseless, gang-related murder, Azim chose the path of forgiveness and compassion rather than revenge and bitterness, and this amazing choice led to the establishment of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation and the subsequent forgiveness movement which has reached millions.About the Guest Azim KhamisaAzim Khamisa – author, activist and inspirational speaker – was born in Kenya, Africa and had early training in mathematics, economics and international finance. A successful international investment banker with over 35 years’ experience, he has conducted business in Africa, Middle East, Europe and Asia. A man always on the go, taking action for societal transformation, he is presently the Chairman, CEO and Founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF), President of the Child Safety Network (CSN) and Founder and National Director of the Constant And Never Ending Improvement (CANEI) program. Committing his life to halting the continuing cycle of violence among the youth, Azim became a social activist after his 20-year-old son Tariq was senselessly murdered while delivering pizzas in January 1995 by Tony Hicks, a 14-year-old gang member. Out of unspeakable grief and despair, Khamisa was inspired to transform his loss through the miraculous power of forgiveness. Believing that there were “victims at both ends of the gun,” Azim forgave Tony and founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation to break the cycle of youth violence by saving lives, teaching peace and planting seeds of hope in their future. A month after establishing the foundation, Azim invited Ples Felix, Tony’s grandfather and guardian, to join him. Together, since November 1995, the two have brought their story and message through TKF’s Violence Impact Forums. The duo has reached a half a million elementary and middle school children live and over 20 million via video programs, guiding the youth to choose a peacemaker’s life of non-violence and forgiveness. Because of his powerful story and message, Azim is a highly regarded and respected leader and a sought after speaker nationally and internationally. Having given 400 keynote address speeches all over the world – including an audience of 300,000 at the “Stand for Children” rally in Washington D.C. in 1996 – Azim has received more than 60 regional, national and international awards. Awards that include: in April 1997 the National Crime Victims Special Community Service Award presented by President Bill Clinton and Attorney General Janet Reno. In December 2002, he received the prestigious “Search for Common Ground” international award for “Building Peaceful Communities” along with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Ted Koppel. Other recent awards include 2003’s “California Peace Prize,” 2006’s “Freedom Heroes Award,” 2008’s “Death Penalty Focus Award” and “The Spirit of Crazy Horse Award,” the latter being given alongside Muhammad Ali. As well, in June 2004, Azim participated in the Synthesis Dialogues, with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, held at the Pope’s summer residence in Castelgandolfo, Italy. Azim’s profound work has been featured in the likes of The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, People Magazine, Parade Magazine, Washington Post and U.S.A. Today as well as on NBC’s Today Show, Nightly News, CBS’s Early Morning Show and KPBS’ Fresh Air. A well-traveled, multi-lingual naturalized United States citizen, Azim serves on the Board of Directors of various non-profit and for-profit boards. With various inspirational products available on his website, he is an award-winning author of the book: Azim’s Bardo – From Murder To Forgiveness – A Father’s Journey. He followed up this book in November 2007 with From Forgiveness to Fulfillment, showing the continued evolution in an unfolding story that is his path, his passion and his life. A third in the trilogy is From Fulfillment to Peace, which provides the final recipe for sustained peace. Published in 2009 by Random House was The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit: How to Bounce Back from Life’s Hardest Hits, coauthored with Jillian Quinn.Website: Azim Khamisa | Teaching Peace, Prosperity and Purpose Through the Practice of Forgiveness
The Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) Program is the largest school based father engagement program in the nation with over 4500 schools participating. Azim Khamisa – an author, activist and an international inspirational speaker – was born in Kenya, Africa and had early training in mathematics, economics and finance in the U.K. A successful investment banker with over 40 years of experience, he has conducted business in Africa, Middle East, Canada, USA, Europe and Asia. Presently he serves as the President of the Child Safety Network (CSN). Committing his life to halting the continuing cycle of violence among the youth, Azim became a social activist after his 20-year-old son Tariq was senselessly murdered while delivering pizzas in January 1995 by Tony Hicks, a 14-year-old gang member. Out of grief and despair, Khamisa was inspired to transform his loss through the power of forgiveness. Believing that there were “victims at both ends of the gun,” Azim forgave Tony and founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation to break the cycle of youth violence by saving lives, empowering positive choices and teaching the principles of nonviolence and peacemaking. A month after establishing the foundation, Azim invited Ples Felix, Tony’s grandfather and guardian, to join him. Together, since November 1995, the two have brought their story and message through TKF’s Violence Impact Assemblies. The duo has reached over a million elementary and middle school children live and over 8 million via video programs, guiding the youth to choose a peacemaker’s life of non-violence and forgiveness. Each week, WatchDOGS Radio host Keith Schumacher and co-host Chris Danenhauer discuss how this program is impacting families and schools across our nation and in four foreign countries. Please join our audience and call in with your questions and comments.
2014 Martin Luther King Crown Forum, featuring Mr. Azim Khamisa, is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2014, 11:00am at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. Azim Khamisa, an author, activist and inspirational speaker, was born in Kenya, Africa and had early training in mathematics, economics and international finance. A successful international investmxent banker with over 35 years experience, he has conducted business in Africa, Middle East, Europe and Asia. A man always on the go, taking action for societal transformation, he is presently the Chairman, CEO and Founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF), President of the Child Safety Network (CSN) and Founder and National Director of the Constant And Never Ending Improvement (CANEI) program. Committing his life to halting the continuing cycle of violence among the youth, Azim became a social activist after his 20-year-old son Tariq was senselessly murdered while delivering pizzas in January 1995 by Tony Hicks, a 14-year-old gang member. Out of unspeakable grief and despair, Khamisa was inspired to transform his loss through the miraculous power of forgiveness. Believing that there were “victims at both ends of the gun,” Azim forgave Tony and founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation to break the cycle of youth violence by saving lives, teaching peace and planting seeds of hope in their future. A month after establishing the foundation, Azim invited Ples Felix, Tony’s grandfather and guardian, to join him. Together, since November 1995, the two have brought their story and message through TKF’s Violence Impact Forums. The duo has reached a half a million elementary and middle school children live and over 20 million via video programs, guiding the youth to choose a peacemaker’s life of non-violence and forgiveness. Azim’s publications include: Azim’s Bardo-From Murder to Forgiveness-A Father’s Journey; From Forgiveness to Fulfillment; From Fulfillment to Peace; and The Secrets of the Bullettprof Spirit: How to Bounce Back from Life’s Hardest Hist. Azim’s curriculum “Forgiveness: The Crown Jewel of Personal Freedom” is used at Morehouse as a component of the Love & Forgiveness in African-American Male Identity, Leadership and Spirituality program funded by the Fetzer Institute and administered jointly by the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, the Morehouse Research Institute and the Office of Housing and Residential Life
In his more recent public appearances, Tibetan Leader, the Dalai Lama, has been targeting his peace and compassion message to young people. To him, teaching compassion and peace to our young is the best hope for peace in the future. A look at efforts to teach peace in the schools, this time on Peace Talks Radio. First, a visit with Azim Khamisa, director of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, a non-profit organization that takes programs on nonviolence and forgiveness into schools. The foundation memorializes Mr. Khamisa's son Tariq, who was delivering pizzas in San Diego in January 1995 when he was shot and killed by a 14-year-old gang member who had been challenged to prove himself to his gang by firing a gun into Tariq's car. Mr. Khamisa joined with Ples Felix, the grandfather and guardian of the shooter, to create the foundation and develop the school programs. Also on the program, a journalist-turned-teacher who has been on a one man crusade to bring peace curriculum to schools in the Washington, DC area. From 1969 to 1997, Colman McCarthy wrote columns for the Washington Post. In his years as a columnist and journalist, he had the opportunity to interview Nobel Peace Prize winners and other figures that, he says, inspired him, in 1982, to begin teaching courses courses on nonviolence and the literature of peace in high schools and universities in the DC area. In 25 years, he has taught more than 7,000 students in his classes. McCarthy has edited two books for use in Peace Studies classes and in 1985, he founded the Center for Teaching Peace, a nonprofit that helps schools begin or expand academic programs in Peace Studies. Finally we go to Seattle, Washington where teacher Lori Markowitz manages an organization called "Bridges To Understanding." She oversees programs in some Seattle schools that promote global understanding and compassion to students. "Bridges to Understanding" has Seattle school kids connecting with kids in Thailand or South Africa, swapping stories and pictures over the internet. Some get to connect live and in person when they visit the U.S. We talked with both Lori Markowitz and Teleia Thurman, a student who participated in one of the programs. Our host is Carol Boss. "Kids are our future leaders. If we can teach them, now, that from conflict you create your brother or sister, you create love and unity - if you apply the principles of nonviolent peace making and forgiveness - maybe,someday, we'll have world peace." -Azim Khamisa, Founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation "Each of us in our hearts, is yearning for peace. All governments claim they want peace. So, I began to wonder. If that's the case, why aren't we teaching ourselves how to go about it? I wanted to see if that could be taught, whether it could be learned and whether students would be receptive to it."
In his more recent public appearances, Tibetan Leader, the Dalai Lama, has been targeting his peace and compassion message to young people. To him, teaching compassion and peace to our young is the best hope for peace in the future. A look at efforts to teach peace in the schools, this time on Peace Talks Radio. First, a visit with Azim Khamisa, director of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, a non-profit organization that takes programs on nonviolence and forgiveness into schools. The foundation memorializes Mr. Khamisa's son Tariq, who was delivering pizzas in San Diego in January 1995 when he was shot and killed by a 14-year-old gang member who had been challenged to prove himself to his gang by firing a gun into Tariq's car. Mr. Khamisa joined with Ples Felix, the grandfather and guardian of the shooter, to create the foundation and develop the school programs. Also on the program, a journalist-turned-teacher who has been on a one man crusade to bring peace curriculum to schools in the Washington, DC area. From 1969 to 1997, Colman McCarthy wrote columns for the Washington Post. In his years as a columnist and journalist, he had the opportunity to interview Nobel Peace Prize winners and other figures that, he says, inspired him, in 1982, to begin teaching courses courses on nonviolence and the literature of peace in high schools and universities in the DC area. In 25 years, he has taught more than 7,000 students in his classes. McCarthy has edited two books for use in Peace Studies classes and in 1985, he founded the Center for Teaching Peace, a nonprofit that helps schools begin or expand academic programs in Peace Studies. Finally we go to Seattle, Washington where teacher Lori Markowitz manages an organization called "Bridges To Understanding." She oversees programs in some Seattle schools that promote global understanding and compassion to students. "Bridges to Understanding" has Seattle school kids connecting with kids in Thailand or South Africa, swapping stories and pictures over the internet. Some get to connect live and in person when they visit the U.S. We talked with both Lori Markowitz and Teleia Thurman, a student who participated in one of the programs. Our host is Carol Boss. "Kids are our future leaders. If we can teach them, now, that from conflict you create your brother or sister, you create love and unity - if you apply the principles of nonviolent peace making and forgiveness - maybe,someday, we'll have world peace." -Azim Khamisa, Founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation "Each of us in our hearts, is yearning for peace. All governments claim they want peace. So, I began to wonder. If that's the case, why aren't we teaching ourselves how to go about it? I wanted to see if that could be taught, whether it could be learned and whether students would be receptive to it."