By Karen Topakian
In a 24-hour period this week, I experienced the double whammy of democracy. I voted and was called for jury duty. Two activities at the cornerstone of our society. And I had no one to blame or credit but myself. I picked this week to serve knowing it included a federal election. (more…)
by Karen Topakian
That’s what I saw when I exited the bus at 7th and Market the other day. Small gnawed bones. Picked clean of meat. Not yet brittle. Looking very new. The memory of those bird remnants haunted me for days until today, when they made complete sense.
Why today?
Because today is August 6th. And 63 years ago today, in 1945, Hiroshima was transformed into a landscape of charred bodies, human shadows burned into the sidewalk and bones. 140,000 died that day and afterwards. (more…)
by Karen Topakian
With their actions. With their vision. With their leadership. They light the path to equality and justice. For us to follow.
They inspire our courage and ignite our passion for peace.
Since our elected leaders rarely exhibit these traits, we must look to ourselves and others to lead the way.
Starting in 2005, the Agape Foundation has awarded two prizes each year to individuals or organizations that put peace at the forefront of the movement for social change and equality. The Awards Committee just announced this year’s winner of the Enduring Visionary Prize and the finalists for the Rising Peacemaker Prize. (more…)
by Karen Topakian
Who said these words?
How about “…I’ve realized my education isn’t worth dying for.”
Two 17-year old male high school students in Los Angeles wrote these statements in a survey. What prompted them to say it? They had just finished watching Peter Dudar and Sally Marr’s documentary film Arlington West about the physical and emotional effects of war. (more…)