The Peacemakers

Rosa Parks (1913-2005) was an African American civil rights activist whose refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. Her quiet strength and determination helped change American society.

Accomplishments & Contributions:​

• Sparked Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955)

• Challenged segregation laws

• Served as NAACP secretary

• Inspired nonviolent resistance movement

• Continued activism for racial equality

• Mentored youth in civil rights

• Changed public transportation segregation

• Empowered African American community

• Inspired civil rights legislation

• Demonstrated power of individual action

• Advanced women's rights

• Showed effectiveness of peaceful protest

• Received Presidential Medal of Freedom

• Awarded Congressional Gold Medal

• Named "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement"

• Inspired annual Rosa Parks Day

• Library of Congress named "First Lady of Civil Rights"

• Created Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute

• Established scholarship programs

• Promoted youth education

• Taught civil rights history

• Shared experiences through books

• Inspired educational curriculum

• Encouraged youth activism

• Changed American social landscape

• Advanced racial equality movement

• Influenced civil rights legislation

• Demonstrated moral courage

• Inspired global human rights activism

• Created model for peaceful resistance

• Showed power of saying "no" to injustice

Malcolm X (1925-1965), born Malcolm Little and later known as el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, was a powerful American Muslim minister, human rights activist, and prominent Black nationalist leader. His intellectual evolution and unflinching advocacy for Black empowerment transformed the civil rights movement and continues to inspire movements for racial justice worldwide. Malcolm X's philosophy emphasized Black self-determination, pan-Africanism, and human rights "by any means necessary."

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Accomplishments & Contributions

• Rose to prominence as the national spokesman for the Nation of Islam, significantly expanding its membership and influence during the 1950s and early 1960s

• Articulated a powerful critique of white supremacy and advocated for Black pride, self-defense, and economic self-sufficiency

• Founded the Muslim Mosque, Inc. and the secular Organization of Afro-American Unity after his split from the Nation of Islam in 1964

• Completed the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which transformed his perspective on race and led him to embrace a more inclusive approach to fighting oppression

• Traveled extensively throughout Africa and the Middle East, building international solidarity and connecting the African American freedom struggle to global anti-colonial movements

• Delivered influential speeches including "The Ballot or the Bullet" and "Message to the Grassroots" that shaped political discourse on racial justice

• Provided an alternative vision to the nonviolent civil rights movement, emphasizing the right to self-defense and Black nationalism

• Challenged integrationist approaches, arguing instead for Black economic, political, and social independence

• Posthumously influenced the Black Power movement through his autobiography, written with Alex Haley and published after his assassination

• Advocated for human rights charges against the United States at the United Nations for its treatment of African Americans

• Developed a systematic critique of media representation of Black people and advocated for control of the narrative

• Established the Organization of Afro-American Unity's Liberation School for political education

• Created a newspaper called "Muhammad Speaks" that became one of the most widely read Black newspapers

• Inspired generations of activists, scholars, and artists across the globe with his analysis of systemic racism and imperialism

Malcolm X's legacy endures through his speeches, writings, and The Autobiography of Malcolm X, which continues to educate and inspire people about the ongoing struggle for racial justice and human dignity.

Haile Selassie I (1892-1975), born Tafari Makonnen, was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974 and a defining figure in modern African history. As the last emperor in the 3,000-year-old Ethiopian monarchy, he led his nation through foreign occupation, modernization efforts, and onto the world stage. Beyond Ethiopia, he became an influential symbol of African independence, Black pride, and sovereignty during the era of decolonization, and is venerated as a messianic figure in the Rastafari movement.

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Accomplishments & Contrabutions

• Successfully brought Ethiopia into the League of Nations in 1923 while serving as regent before his coronation

• Led resistance against the Italian invasion and occupation (1935-1941), becoming a global symbol of resistance to fascism

• Delivered a powerful speech to the League of Nations in 1936, warning about the dangers of fascist aggression

• Returned to power in 1941 with Allied support and began modernizing Ethiopia's government, infrastructure, and education system

• Established Addis Ababa University in 1950, Ethiopia's first institution of higher learning

• Played a central role in forming the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, with headquarters in Addis Ababa

• Mediated in the Congo Crisis and various other African conflicts during decolonization

• Revised the Ethiopian constitution in 1955 to introduce a more representative parliament

• Maintained Ethiopia's independence during the colonial era when most of Africa was under European control

• Advocated for collective security and international cooperation in numerous speeches to the United Nations

• Built international diplomatic relationships that enhanced Ethiopia's standing in world affairs

• Supported African liberation movements fighting against colonialism

• Implemented land reform policies, though criticized for their limited scope

• Survived multiple coup attempts while gradually modernizing Ethiopia's ancient feudal system

• Inspired the Rastafari movement, particularly in Jamaica, where he is revered as divine

Haile Selassie's legacy remains complex—celebrated for his Pan-African leadership and resistance against colonialism, yet criticized for his autocratic rule and the persistence of poverty in Ethiopia during his reign. Nevertheless, his contributions to African unity and his symbolic importance in the struggle for African dignity and self-determination remain significant.

Greta Thunberg (born 2003) is a Swedish environmental activist who has gained international recognition for challenging world leaders to take immediate action for climate change mitigation. Beginning with her solitary school strike in 2018, she sparked a global youth movement and has become one of the most influential voices in climate activism. Her direct, uncompromising approach and ability to mobilize young people worldwide has transformed public discourse on climate change.

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Accomplishments & Contributions

• Initiated "Fridays for Future" in 2018, a school strike movement that grew into a global climate action movement involving millions of young people

• Addressed world leaders at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24), delivering a powerful speech that went viral

• Sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in a zero-carbon yacht to attend the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019, highlighting the carbon footprint of air travel

• Delivered the emotional "How Dare You" speech at the UN Climate Action Summit, confronting world leaders for their inaction

• Named Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2019, becoming the youngest individual to receive this recognition

• Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

• Authored books including "No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference" and "Our House Is on Fire"

• Received numerous awards including the Right Livelihood Award, often called the "Alternative Nobel Prize"

• Inspired global climate strikes that became some of the largest climate demonstrations in history

• Met with world leaders, including popes, presidents, and prime ministers to advocate for climate action

• Used her platform to amplify scientific consensus on climate change and bring attention to the IPCC reports

• Created the Greta Thunberg Foundation to donate prize money to charitable organizations

• Advocated for climate justice, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities

• Brought attention to eco-anxiety among young people concerned about their future on a warming planet

• Maintained a personal commitment to low-carbon living, following a vegan diet and avoiding air travel

Greta Thunberg's impact extends beyond policy advocacy—she has fundamentally shifted how society views young people's role in activism and brought unprecedented attention to the urgency of addressing climate change. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of environmental activists demanding systemic change rather than incremental reforms.

Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022) was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, global spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist. His life's work centered on the practice of mindful living and applying Buddhist principles to create peace within oneself and throughout the world. He coined the term "Engaged Buddhism," which encourages the application of Buddhist insights to address social, political, and environmental issues.

Accomplishments & Contributations:

• Founded the Order of Interbeing in 1966, promoting mindfulness and compassion as paths to peace

• Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967 for his efforts to end the Vietnam War

• Established Plum Village in France (1982), the largest Buddhist monastery in the West and a global center for mindfulness practice

• Created the Five Mindfulness Trainings, a modern interpretation of Buddhist ethics applicable to contemporary life

• Authored over 100 books translated into more than 40 languages, including bestsellers like "The Miracle of Mindfulness" and "Peace Is Every Step"

• Pioneered mindfulness practices now widely adopted in schools, healthcare settings, corporations, and prisons

• Led peace walks worldwide to promote nonviolence and reconciliation

• Developed the concept of "interbeing," emphasizing the interconnection of all living things

• Created retreats for veterans, police officers, and others affected by violence and trauma

• Trained thousands of mindfulness teachers who have established practice centers across the globe

• Returned to Vietnam in 2005 after 39 years of exile, helping to reunite divided Buddhist communities

• Introduced the practice of "Touching the Earth," a ceremony for healing and reconciliation

• Created calligraphic art that embodied his teachings on mindful awareness

His teaching legacy continues through the global Plum Village community and the millions who practice his approach to mindful living.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020) was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. Before her appointment to the high court, she was a pioneering advocate for women's rights and gender equality. Known for her sharp legal mind, powerful dissents, and commitment to equal justice under law, RBG (as she was affectionately known) became a cultural icon whose impact on American jurisprudence and society extends far beyond her time on the bench.

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​Accomplishments & Contributions:

• Co-founded the Women's Rights Project at the ACLU in 1972, which led strategic legal efforts to advance gender equality

• Successfully argued six landmark gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court, winning five

• Strategically represented male plaintiffs in gender discrimination cases to demonstrate that gender stereotypes harm everyone

• Graduated first in her class from Columbia Law School in 1959 despite facing significant gender discrimination

• Became the first female tenured professor at Columbia Law School

• Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit by President Jimmy Carter in 1980

• Nominated and confirmed to the Supreme Court in 1993, becoming the second woman justice in history

• Authored the majority opinion in United States v. Virginia (1996), which struck down the male-only admission policy at Virginia Military Institute

• Wrote powerful dissents in cases including Ledbetter v. Goodyear (2007), which later inspired the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009

• Delivered the forceful dissent in Shelby County v. Holder (2013), comparing removing voting protections to "throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet"

• Consistently defended reproductive rights throughout her career, including in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt (2016)

• Advocated for incremental but meaningful legal change, creating precedents that built upon each other

• Maintained a rigorous workout routine and overcame cancer five times while continuing her judicial work

• Developed a collaborative approach to work across ideological differences, maintaining a close friendship with conservative Justice Antonin Scalia

• Created a template for how justices can engage with public life while maintaining judicial independence

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's legacy lives on in the precedents she established, the legal strategies she pioneered, and her inspiring example of determined advocacy for equality and justice.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), honorifically known as Mahatma ("Great Soul") Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who became the primary leader of India's independence movement. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance (satyagraha) inspired civil rights movements worldwide and fundamentally changed approaches to political and social reform. Gandhi's life and teachings continue to influence movements for freedom, self-determination, and human dignity across the globe.

Accomplishments & Contributions

• Developed and implemented satyagraha—nonviolent civil disobedience based on truth and love—as a powerful method for political and social change

• Led successful nonviolent campaigns against discriminatory laws in South Africa (1893-1914)

• Transformed the Indian National Congress into a mass movement for independence

• Organized the historic Salt March in 1930, challenging the British salt monopoly and inspiring mass civil disobedience

• Led the Quit India Movement in 1942, calling for immediate independence from British rule

• Lived a life of radical simplicity, adopting hand-spun clothing (khadi) and rejecting material possessions

• Advocated for the economic self-sufficiency of Indian villages through cottage industries

• Worked tirelessly to end untouchability and caste discrimination in Indian society

• Promoted Hindu-Muslim unity and fasted multiple times to stop communal violence

• Founded numerous ashrams, including Sabarmati Ashram, as models for his vision of simple, self-sufficient living

• Published influential newspapers including Indian Opinion, Young India, and Harijan

• Wrote key texts including "Hind Swaraj" (Indian Home Rule) and his autobiography "The Story of My Experiments with Truth"

• Spent over 2,338 days (almost 6.5 years) in prison for his political activism

• Negotiated with British authorities as the primary representative of the Indian independence movement

• Inspired future leaders including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama with his philosophy of nonviolence

Gandhi's assassination in 1948, shortly after India gained independence, transformed him into a martyr for peace. His birthday, October 2, is commemorated worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence. His legacy of nonviolent resistance and moral leadership continues to guide social justice movements and political reforms around the world.

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was an American Baptist minister, activist, and one of the most influential leaders of the civil rights movement. His profound commitment to racial equality through nonviolent resistance transformed American society and inspired movements for human rights worldwide. King's eloquent advocacy for justice, peace, and human dignity earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest moral leaders of the 20th century.

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Accomplishments & Contributions

• Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956), which ended segregation on public buses and launched him to national prominence

• Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957 to coordinate civil rights activism across the South

• Delivered the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the 1963 March on Washington, articulating a vision of racial harmony that continues to inspire

• Played a pivotal role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin

• Led the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which helped secure the passage of the Voting Rights Act

• Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance

• Developed and articulated the philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience based on Christian principles and Gandhi's teachings

• Authored influential works including "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (1963) and "Why We Can't Wait" (1964)

• Expanded his advocacy beyond racial issues to address poverty and economic injustice through the Poor People's Campaign

• Opposed the Vietnam War as morally unjust, connecting militarism to racism and economic exploitation

• Survived multiple assassination attempts and imprisonment while maintaining his commitment to nonviolence

• Organized successful protests in Birmingham, Alabama (1963), which drew international attention to the brutal response of local authorities

• Developed effective strategies combining direct action with legal challenges to segregation

• Created training programs in nonviolent resistance for civil rights activists

• Built coalitions across racial, religious, and class lines to strengthen the movement for social justice

King's legacy lives on through the national holiday bearing his name, countless streets and schools named in his honor, and most importantly, through the continued work of those inspired by his vision of the "Beloved Community" where justice, equal opportunity, and love prevail.

Harriet Tubman (c. 1822-1913) was an extraordinary American abolitionist, humanitarian, and armed scout who was born into slavery. After escaping to freedom, she dedicated her life to rescuing enslaved people through the Underground Railroad and later served as a spy, scout, and nurse during the American Civil War. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to freedom and equality have made her one of the most revered figures in American history.

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Accomplishments & Contributions:

• Escaped from slavery in Maryland to Philadelphia in 1849, securing her own freedom

• Returned to the South approximately 13 times to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, via the Underground Railroad

• Earned the nickname "Moses" for her leadership in guiding enslaved people to freedom

• Never lost a single "passenger" on her Underground Railroad journeys despite the high risks and bounties on her head

• Served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War

• Led the Combahee River Raid in 1863, becoming the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the Civil War, which freed more than 700 enslaved people

• Worked alongside abolitionists including Frederick Douglass, William Still, and John Brown

• Supported women's suffrage movement after the Civil War, working with Susan B. Anthony and others

• Established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, to care for elderly and poor African Americans

• Used her home as a center for community aid, helping those in need regardless of race

• Delivered powerful speeches about her experiences to raise awareness about the horrors of slavery

• Demonstrated extraordinary navigation skills, often traveling at night and in winter to avoid detection

• Developed a complex system of safe houses and contacts throughout the Northeast

• Overcame a childhood head injury that caused lifelong health issues including narcolepsy and seizures

Harriet Tubman's legacy lives on as a symbol of freedom, courage, and resistance against oppression. Her life exemplifies how one person's determination can change the course of history and inspire generations to fight for justice.

Ziggy Marley (born 1968), born David Nesta Marley, is a Jamaican musician, singer, songwriter, and humanitarian who has forged his own path while honoring the legacy of his father, reggae legend Bob Marley. As an eight-time Grammy Award winner, Ziggy has successfully blended reggae with other musical genres while using his platform to advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability, and children's rights around the world.

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​Accomplishments & Contributions:

• Began his musical career at age 10 with The Melody Makers, a group formed with his siblings, earning five Grammy Awards with the band

• Won three Grammy Awards as a solo artist, establishing his own distinct musical identity

• Released critically acclaimed albums including "Conscious Party," "Dragonfly," and "Rebellion Rises"

• Founded Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (U.R.G.E.), a non-profit organization supporting children in Jamaica, Ethiopia, and other developing nations

• Created the Ziggy Marley Foundation to help children in Jamaica and throughout the developing world

• Established Tuff Gong Worldwide, an independent record label that supports independent artists

• Launched Ziggy Marley Organics, a line of organic coconut oils and hemp seed products promoting sustainable agriculture

• Authored several children's books including "I Love You Too" and "Music Is in Everything"

• Created the Emmy-winning children's music series "Ziggy Marley's Jam in the Van"

• Served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme

• Actively participated in Farm Aid concerts to support family farmers in the United States

• Received the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement from UCLA

• Collaborated with diverse artists including Willie Nelson, Donna Summer, and Sting

• Advocated for marijuana legalization and hemp cultivation for environmental sustainability

• Produced the Bob Marley documentary "Marley" (2012), preserving and sharing his father's legacy

Ziggy Marley continues to tour internationally, using music as a vehicle for positive social change while inspiring new generations with messages of love, unity, and environmental consciousness.

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) served as the 35th President of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. Despite his relatively brief presidency, JFK left an indelible mark on American politics and culture. His youthful energy, eloquent rhetoric, and forward-looking vision inspired a generation and helped navigate some of the most dangerous moments of the Cold War. Kennedy's legacy encompasses civil rights, space exploration, diplomacy, and a renewed sense of national purpose.

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Accomplishments & Contributions

• Established the Peace Corps in 1961, promoting international goodwill through American volunteer service abroad

• Navigated the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, averting potential nuclear war through careful diplomacy

• Initiated the Apollo space program with his bold commitment to land Americans on the moon "before this decade is out"

• Signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963, the first arms control agreement of the nuclear age

• Created the Alliance for Progress to foster economic cooperation between the U.S. and Latin America

• Established the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity and other civil rights initiatives

• Proposed comprehensive civil rights legislation that would later become the Civil Rights Act of 1964

• Founded the Green Berets as a specialized force to counter insurgencies during the Cold War

• Created the President's Council on Physical Fitness to promote health and athletics

• Established the President's Commission on the Status of Women, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt

• Delivered influential speeches including his Inaugural Address ("ask not what your country can do for you...") and his American University address calling for world peace

• Launched food stamps as a permanent program to address poverty and hunger

• Presided over economic growth through tax cuts and expanded government spending

• Strengthened NATO alliance while navigating complex Cold War challenges

• Initiated what would later become the Voting Rights Act through his Justice Department's voting rights lawsuits

Though his presidency was cut tragically short, Kennedy's vision of "New Frontier" policies helped shape American politics for decades to come. His handling of Cold War crises, commitment to space exploration, and growing support for civil rights created a legacy that transcends his abbreviated time in office.

Leonard Peltier (born 1944) is a Native American activist and member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) who has been incarcerated since 1977 following his conviction for the deaths of two FBI agents during a 1975 shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. His case has become one of the most prominent in debates about the U.S. justice system's treatment of Indigenous peoples, with many human rights organizations considering him a political prisoner whose trial was marked by significant irregularities.

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Accomplishments & Contributions

• Became actively involved in the American Indian Movement in the early 1970s, fighting for Indigenous sovereignty and treaty rights

• Participated in the 1972 "Trail of Broken Treaties" protest, which included the occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C.

• Worked to protect traditional Lakota people from violence on the Pine Ridge Reservation during a period of severe tribal conflict

• Founded the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, which continues to advocate for Indigenous rights

• Authored the memoir "Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance" (1999) while incarcerated

• Created numerous paintings and other artwork from prison that raise awareness about Native American issues

• Received multiple human rights awards, including the Human Rights Commission of Spain International Human Rights Prize

• Has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times for his advocacy work

• Inspired numerous songs, documentaries, and books about his case and Indigenous rights

• Developed programs to support Native American youth and address issues like substance abuse

• Garnered support from Amnesty International, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and numerous world leaders

• Advocated for improved prison conditions and the rights of incarcerated people

• Maintained his cultural and spiritual practices despite decades of imprisonment

• Continued to speak out on environmental issues affecting Indigenous lands, including opposition to pipeline projects

• Served as a symbol of resistance and resilience for Indigenous rights movements globally

Despite ongoing health issues and having served over 45 years in prison, Peltier continues to advocate for the recognition of historical injustices against Native Americans and for healing between Indigenous peoples and the U.S. government. His case remains controversial, with supporters around the world continuing to call for his clemency and release.