International Council for Peace, Justice & Equality

A 15 year old collective of over 35 grassroots and community based organizations throughout the United States that implemented programming models that have changed lives, with documented outcomes in response to the epidemic of crack cocaine gang violence, readily available fire arms, and other issues threatening the stability of the inner city neighborhoods. These organizations are led by people who have undergone a transformative process and led successful and productive lives, practicing the principle of Sankofa reaching back to bring another forward.

The work of the National Council lowered the gang related homicide rates and incidences of gang related violence by as much as 25% in participating cities (FBI Crime Statistics). However, because the promised peace dividends have not materialized, peace has not been sustained. Currently, there is no effective urban policy to address these issues. The Veterans of the National Council are reconvening the national body to help another generation of young people, to tell the stories of leaders who have transformed their lives and built organizations that model their successful transformative process, and to draft an urban policy that will not only address the issues facing violence ridden communities, but will also offer ways to sustain peace once it has been achieved.

 

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