by Dot Walsh
Peace isn’t simply the absence of violence; peace is the presence of healing, reconciliation, and accountability.
The Mother’s Day Walk for Peace began in 1996 for families who had lost their children to violence. On a day that we celebrate mothers and children, the Walk became a place for families and friends to feel support and love with thousands of others who pledge their commitment to peace. The Walk is the primary fundraiser to support the work of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute founders of the work honoring the young boy who was killed walking to school.
It was a cold and overcast day as we set out for Field’s Corner, Dorchester, and the Walk. This has been a tradition in my family since it first started. The Walk is a celebration of our potential to create communities where all families can live in peace and all children are valued. More than that, the Mother’s Day Walk is a commitment to do the work necessary to bring that vision of peace to life. The Peace Institute is a center of healing, teaching, and learning for families impacted by murder, grief, trauma, and loss.
Andy, my husband, and I were joined by Deana Tavares who had a poster she created, with a picture of her brother who was shot and killed. On the post was her message “Say His Name”
And by doing this remember him.
We met up with my daughter and granddaughter and the little son of Andrea Campbell and the team Campbell.
Along the route to City Hall we connected with old friends who have made this walk for many years. For me the Walk gives me hope as we walk together, Black,White,Asian,young,old together with one message Peace and Love and stopping the violence of guns.
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“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality…. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”