Learn to live
Before the Tazer posts this op-ed by Mike Ali from today's Times Saturday Extra, we'd like to reiterate that this isn't the place for personal grudges or vulgarity. Banstick used and ready for more, but don't let there be any more. Onto the lesson.
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Michael Ali
* From the community
Teaching the values of peace
As a Cherokee Native American activist and a member of the RIchmond Violence Prevention Movement, I have seen close to 200 homicides in the city of Richmond from 2001 to present.
The ciry government of Richmond has declared a "war on violence" that has failed and been lost several years back.
I have often stated in town hall meetings and on television, that the best way to win the "war on violence" in Richmond is to "teach the values of peace."
In the killing fields of Richmond, most of the victims in homicides are youths or young adults. This is where the teaching the values of peace begins: with our youth and young people.
From a Native perspective to start to win the "war on violence" begins in the home and with a strong, spiritual belief and value system.
We as Natives believe that Creator made all generations of Native people from the past, present and into the future as holy people.
This is what our elders teach us from the time we are born.
Our families and elders teach our young people that they must learn to tear away the images and stereotypes that mainstream society has placed upon them as Native peoples. Violence and killing is not traditional in Native culture, it has been learned from mainstream society.
We teach our youths not to attack, punish or beat themselves for crimes that they never have commited with regards to racism.
Our elders and families teach our young people good self-esteem, self-worth and self-value. For as the original holy people this was Creator's plan.
Native people know that it is both family and community responsibility to teach the values of peace to our young people.
We teach our youth honesty and accountability with regards to violence. The first act they must do is accepting responsibility for self. Acknowledging past use of violence. Admitting being wrong, then communicating openly and truthfully to renounce the use of violence in the future.
We place a heavy emphasis that all life is sacred and that includes human life.
The final lesson in teaching the values of peace is quite simple. it is helping young people understand their relationship to others and all other things in creation.
Being responsible for your role, acting with compassion and respect. Remembering always, that all life is sacred!
Ali lives in Richmond
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Ali
* From the community
Teaching the values of peace
As a Cherokee Native American activist and a member of the RIchmond Violence Prevention Movement, I have seen close to 200 homicides in the city of Richmond from 2001 to present.
The ciry government of Richmond has declared a "war on violence" that has failed and been lost several years back.
I have often stated in town hall meetings and on television, that the best way to win the "war on violence" in Richmond is to "teach the values of peace."
In the killing fields of Richmond, most of the victims in homicides are youths or young adults. This is where the teaching the values of peace begins: with our youth and young people.
From a Native perspective to start to win the "war on violence" begins in the home and with a strong, spiritual belief and value system.
We as Natives believe that Creator made all generations of Native people from the past, present and into the future as holy people.
This is what our elders teach us from the time we are born.
Our families and elders teach our young people that they must learn to tear away the images and stereotypes that mainstream society has placed upon them as Native peoples. Violence and killing is not traditional in Native culture, it has been learned from mainstream society.
We teach our youths not to attack, punish or beat themselves for crimes that they never have commited with regards to racism.
Our elders and families teach our young people good self-esteem, self-worth and self-value. For as the original holy people this was Creator's plan.
Native people know that it is both family and community responsibility to teach the values of peace to our young people.
We teach our youth honesty and accountability with regards to violence. The first act they must do is accepting responsibility for self. Acknowledging past use of violence. Admitting being wrong, then communicating openly and truthfully to renounce the use of violence in the future.
We place a heavy emphasis that all life is sacred and that includes human life.
The final lesson in teaching the values of peace is quite simple. it is helping young people understand their relationship to others and all other things in creation.
Being responsible for your role, acting with compassion and respect. Remembering always, that all life is sacred!
Ali lives in Richmond
posted by Plunda Claus @ 9:36 PM
5 Comments:
At September 09, 2006 10:10 PM,
Anonymous said…
This so timely and positive! The Native focus is beautiful. Please print more wonderful material like this. This as a parent gives me the greatest hope for our children in Richmond. Maybe we can really do this.
At September 09, 2006 10:22 PM,
Anonymous said…
Wow! This is just so great to read. So inspiring for our youth.
At September 10, 2006 10:49 PM,
Anonymous said…
I see the depth of this feature story by Mr. Ali has a very excellent focus. How nice.
At September 11, 2006 7:04 AM,
Anonymous said…
Keep up reporting these kind of good stories. It is so much better than these dreary stories we have to read about our youth killing other youth.
At September 11, 2006 7:47 AM,
Anonymous said…
I don't think there's much more that I could add to this. Thank you, Mr. Ali!
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