September 17, 2022
The Interfaith Peace Project will observe this year’s International Day of Peace by sending out a reflection each day from September 10 through September 21. Today is the seventh reflection. If you miss any reflections, you will find them on our website: interfaithpeaceproject.org.
We will continue our ongoing observance of the International Day after September 21, by sending out a reflection on the twenty-first of every month. We invite you to share in this effort by sending any articles or information that you would like to share to:
Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P
[email protected]
925-787-9279
CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
SEPTEMBER 10 – 21, 2022
Wangari Maathai
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 200
Kenya
Profile
Wangari Muta Maathi was a Kenyan social, environmental, and political activist. She was the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. In 1977, Mathaii founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental non-governmental organization focused on the planting of trees, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. In 1984, she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award for “converting the Kenyan ecological debate into mass action for reforestation.” Wangari was an elected member of the Parliament of Kenya. From January 2003 to November 2005, she served as the environmental and natural resources assistant minister. Wangari was not only an activist but also an intellectual who made significant contributions to thinking about ecology, development, gender, and African cultures and religions.
Wangari’s Words of Wisdom
“When resources are degraded, we start competing for them, whether it is in Kenya, where we had tribal clashes over land and water or at the global level, where we are fighting over water, oil, and minerals. So one way to promote peace is to promote sustainable advancement and equitable distribution or resources.”
“We owe it to ourselves and the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all.”
To view the Nobel Lecture by Professor Wangari Maathi
on youtube video click here or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZap_QlwlKw
Reflection
If we were truly alive, we would make peace with the Natural World around us. Today I will declare an end to the war on Nature and her resources. I will dedicate myself to a simpler way of living and consuming. I will live peacefully with the stars of night, the trees dancing in the wind, and the creatures who often fear my presence. Today I will be transformed by the World around me, delighting the soul within me.
SOURCES
Randy Thomas
Wikipedia
Off