BRIDGE OF PEACE IN NEW JERSEY

Tuesday, March 8th marked the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, which was commemorated throughout America and the world. To celebrate this, the Women’s Federation for World Peace was invited to a panel discussion at an event hosted by the United Nations Association-Pacific-Los Angeles Chapter. WFWP Chairwoman Heidi Iseda took part in one of two sets of panel speakers who were asked to cover issues related to women's rights, the role of women in education, and international human rights issues.

A special Interracial Sisterhood Bridge of Peace event took place on Feb. 12, 2011 in New Jersey in the context of Black History month which highlighted the reconciliation between Blacks and Whites in a most moving ceremony with 90 guests overall in attendance. Among them was the Mayor of Elizabeth (town in New Jersey) who presented the WFWP Proclamation, two City of Elizabeth Council Women, as well as the Union county freeholder. Also attending were three female Christian Clergy, several business leaders, the KEA and Kodan leadership and many others.

According to the New Jersey WFWP Chairwoman, Mrs. Denneze Nelson, what took place most of all was the “Healing of the Heart,” as the program included a Legacy of Peace Ceremony for Dr. Martin Luther king and others.Moreover, the Mayor of Elizabeth has just agreed to consider the appointment of two WFWP sisters leading Elizabeth to sit on his Human Rights Commission as a result of this event.

“The Bridge of Peace Ceremony allowed us to begin a process started by many heroes in crossing over the barriers that many of us hold in our hearts, or that generations past have held,” said Nelson. “Crossing the Bridge is a symbol of being willing to embrace someone different so that we, ourselves, become bigger.