The 2021 Al Filipov Peace & Justice Forum honors
September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
On this 20th anniversary of 9/11 we remember, while moving forward, by honoring those who have led with great courage and conviction.
Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm
It has been 20 years since the tragic events of 9/11, when life was changed so quickly for all of us in so many ways. A complex array of responses gripped much of humanity, but none were more compelling than those of the surviving families of the victims of that day. Among the clearest, most unequivocal, and proactive organizations to arise was September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, an organization founded by family members of those killed on September 11th who have united to turn their grief into action for peace. By developing and advocating nonviolent options and actions in the pursuit of justice, they hope to break the cycles of violence engendered by war and terrorism. They acknowledge their common experience with all people affected by violence throughout the world, as they work to create a safer and more peaceful world for everyone.
The vision for September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows was born when a small group became connected after reading each others' pleas for nonviolent and reasoned responses to the terrorist attacks. This core group decided to unite in order to strengthen their message and voices. Peaceful Tomorrows was launched in February 2002 as a project of the Fellowship of Reconciliation - USA, and their name is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who wrote, "Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows." Dozens more family members joined in the following months. These founding members shared a belief that the violence that took their loved ones' lives could spin out of control, and fear could be manipulated by politicians and the media to justify foreign and domestic policies that would increase violence while decreasing U.S. citizens' rights and liberties over the years to come. Their tireless work has been an inspiration to millions.
Representing the honorees will be Colleen Kelly, co-founder of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, who currently serves as the chair of its Rule of Law Committee. She is a family nurse practitioner specializing in Adolescent Medicine, and has a Masters in International Relations from the City College of New York. She will speak about the founding of Peaceful Tomorrows and its mission and history. Ms. Kelly will be joined by a young member of Peaceful Tomorrows (who was a child at the time of the attack) and will speak to the future of the organization. Attendance in this September 19th virtual event is free. All are invited, but pre-registration is required. Please click link below.
