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Leymah Gbowee- Liberian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Keynotes Denver Peace Jam Luncheon |
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Posted 1/14/2013 at 10:04 AM by Elizabeth H in Special Events
Affiliate: Rocky Mountain |
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Leymah Gbowee's theme, ‘Moving Forward in Tough Times’, at the Peace Jam Awards Luncheon could have been drawn directly from the trajectory of her life.
She was just 17 years old in 1989 when civil war erupted in Liberia, unleashing the destructive forces inherent in such conflicts and enduring fourteen years. Although she enrolled in the University of Liberia, her academic aspirations as well as family life were disrupted and she was forced to embark upon an uncharted path. Gbowee was able to convert feelings of outrage and opposition to constructive efforts to end conflict and build peace. In the process she has become not only a counselor, trauma healer and social worker, but an inspirational leader. At age 39 she received the Nobel Peace Prize, published a memoir about her remarkable life and figured prominently in the documentary film ‘Pray the Devil Back To Hell’.
Over 500 people attended the event at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Gbowee noted that her busy itinerary takes her from one end of the globe to the other.
"Everywhere I go I become aware of people dealing with many problems, such as poverty, rape and other crimes and political oppression just to name a few," she said. "And sometimes I feel overwhelmed and ask myself if anywhere in the world is free of serious problems. But I am encouraged when I learn that everywhere people organize themselves to resolve these issues," she continued.
"I am deeply impressed with the role of many young people in struggles for peace and justice. And all this has resulted in the reaffirmation of my commitment to peace and justice," she declared. |
Read the full article here |
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