{"id":116031,"date":"2018-08-06T12:01:36","date_gmt":"2018-08-06T11:01:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/?p=116031"},"modified":"2018-08-07T08:34:40","modified_gmt":"2018-08-07T07:34:40","slug":"100-living-peace-and-justice-leaders-and-models-list-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2018\/08\/100-living-peace-and-justice-leaders-and-models-list-4\/","title":{"rendered":"100 Living Peace and Justice Leaders and Models (List #4)"},"content":{"rendered":"

(See Here Lists #1<\/a> – #2<\/a> – #3<\/a>)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

3 Aug 2018 – This Fourth List of Living Peace and Justice Leaders<\/strong>, continues our efforts to honor the life and work of Reverend Martin Luther-King, Jr<\/strong>.\u00a0 Reverend King\u2019s legacy of peace, justice, and non-violence, changed the world, inspiring freedom and hope to lives oppressed by evils of racism and political rank and status. <\/em><\/p>\n

Reverend King\u2019s commitment compels us to continue his efforts beyond the words, song, promises, and protests of his day. Reverend King\u2019s assassination was not the work of a single individual consumed with hate, but as subsequent trials indicated, the result of criminal acts by corrupt government officials, fearful of the of the consequences for change Reverend King inspired. Reverend King, we believe, knew even as he anticipated his tragic death, his truths would endure. <\/em><\/p>\n

We are eternally grateful for Reverend King\u2019s efforts to free people and nations from the brutal oppressions imposed by governments, nations, societies, organizations, and individuals. Our spirits are buoyed by the thousands of living peace and justice leaders and models whose activism and advocacy insure Reverend King\u2019s sacrifices will not be forgotten but will endure.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

LIST 4<\/h2>\n

As in prior published Lists, individuals cited on List 4 represent a variety of demographic markers, including gender, ethnicity, race, age, nation, religion, and life-style persuasion and preference.\u00a0 By accessing the URL accompanying the person\u2019s name, you can read of their peace and justice activism and advocacy.<\/p>\n

Our choice of the number, 100, is arbitrary, for there are thousands of individuals who deserve citation. Most are not listed; we will continue to create Lists for future efforts. Do not be dismayed! Patience! Lists of living peace and justice activists and advocates help foster peace and justice.<\/p>\n

In the face of abuses and oppression, in the face of bias and insult, in the face of persecution from government and private sources, as evidenced by the betrayal and misuse of the secret FISA Court\u2019s politicization and weaponization, we recall and honor iconic peace and justice leaders of the past, including Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, Jane Addams, Samuel Gompers, Caesar Chavez, Larry Itliong, Rachel Corrie, Philip Berrigan & Daniel Berrigan, Glenn Paige, Hedy Epstein, Malcolm X, and hundreds of others.<\/p>\n

The presence of peace and justice advocates and activists across time and place are testimony to the enduring human spirit to resist oppression, to claim liberty, and to endure, even at the cost of life. Individuals recognized on List 1, List 2, List 3, and now, List 4, are part of the tradition of resistance to oppression and the commitment to peace and justice though non-violence.\u00a0 Peace and justice leaders occupy a special \u201csacred\u201d status in our minds and hearts for their efforts to advance the human condition.<\/p>\n

And then there are the beautiful and inspiring words from the Sermon on the Mount<\/em><\/strong> resonate across time and place: \u201cBlessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called children of God.\u201d <\/strong>(Matthew 5.9 KJV).<\/p>\n

In commenting on the many demands placed upon of those pursuing peace and justice, Marsella (2017) wrote:<\/p>\n

In answering the call, your life will not be the same. You will be required \u00a0\u00a0to face harsh realities; you will be singled out for abuse from reactionary forces whose inhumanity keeps them locked in hate. Your life itself will be at risk. What will not be at risk, however, is your personal integrity, your dignity, your identity, and your position of gratitude, respect, and admiration in the heart and minds of those you help. Pursuit of justice is not for the faint of heart. \u00a0You can expect condemnation, ridicule, insult, entrapment, and defamation; costs are high, but rewards are more than gold or silver; rewards come in knowing in our brief time on Earth, you have done something to advance the cause of \u201cjustice.\u201d<\/p>\n

SPIRIT OF OUR TIMES <\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Inclusion – <\/strong>There is a new spirit of encounter, inclusion, and protest in our times (e.g., Anti-Fascism, Anti-Islamophobia, Black Lives Matter; Me Too, LGBTQ Movement, Pro-Choice, Refugees Matter, Sanctuary Cities). Tangible evidence is displayed in countless national and international gatherings numbering in the millions of participants.<\/li>\n
  2. Communications and Connection – <\/strong>There is a new spirit of communication and connection among the growing number of \u201cFree Media\u201d critical of government, military, and private corporate controls!<\/li>\n
  3. Protest – <\/strong>There is a new spirit of protest against concentrations of war, militarism, power and position in the hands of a few (i.e., Secret State, Deep State, Secret State). The expenditure of a nation\u2019s diminishing wealth on the purchase military and nuclear weaponry, endless wars, and genocides, has mobilized citizens across the nations and world.<\/li>\n
  4. Consciousness of Life and Land – <\/strong>There is a new spirit of concern for life and land, especially regarding anthropogenic climate changes! The concern is national and global. Activists are protesting destructive developments and supporting climate change policies to limit Co2 release. Animal, Plant, and Natural Resources Rights have joined Human Rights as areas of concern and protection.\u00a0 This reflects a consciousness of the flaws in human mastery assertions articulated in Biblical admonitions contending God made mankind (sic) master of all things and in his (her) image.<\/li>\n
  5. Investigate, Expose, Uncover – <\/strong>There is a new spirit of determination to investigate, expose, and uncover abuses of privilege and position by select government official who have politicized and weaponized laws for personal use (e.g., FISA Court).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Hope<\/strong><\/p>\n

    These changes signal and sustain \u201cHope!\u201d \u201cHope\u201d is the life blood of progressive change. \u201cHope\u201d can be suppressed and oppressed, but it cannot be defeated. \u201cHope\u201d endures because it is the very essence of life. Regardless of life form and specie. \u201cHope\u201d is the evolutionary impulse to pursue survival, adaptation, and adjustment, free of oppression.<\/p>\n

    Be not afraid! \u00a0You are not alone! There are thousands of advocates and activists across the world bringing conscience to the struggle for peace and justice. It is the endless story of individuals from all walks of life, willing to endure the trials and tribulations of speaking for peace and justice in settings in which abuses and oppression of human rights and legal rights are violated by those holding power and position.<\/p>\n

    Goals of Peace and Justice: New Moral Order <\/strong><\/p>\n

    Almost two decades ago, David Reiff (1999), in his classic paper, \u201cThe precarious triumph of human rights\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(New York Times Magazine<\/em>, August 8, pp. 36-4) articulated his view of \u201cnew moral order\u201d<\/strong> characteristics; his thoughts were prescient:<\/p>\n