HEALING THE HEART THROUGH THE BRIDGE OF PEACE

On March 10, 2012, the New Jersey chapter organized a Bridge of Peace Ceremony at Essex County College in Newark. WFWP leaders and members recognize the need for healing of the historical, cultural, and racial problems in the U.S. to better clear the way for the peacemaking work of our Founders in this new era. The goal is to heal the heart and the spirit and create peaceful relationships in the U.S.

First, some background.

In February 2011, New Jersey started out with an interracial Bridge of Peace Ceremony held in Elizabeth. At this event, one white sister was so moved by the spiritual atmosphere that she offered a full prostrate bow to all the black sisters in the room. Many of those black sisters testified they felt "something left their bodies that day." It was and still is important for white sisters (whether they are historically connected to slavery or not) to repent in heart on behalf of their race for bringing slavery to America and failing to end it. It was also important for African descendants to forgive those sisters standing in the position of the ones who brought so much pain. Many religious and government leaders attended this event, including the mayor of Elizabeth, who presented a proclamation along with three other mayors.

Then, on September 25, 2011, New Jersey held an interfaith Bridge of Peace. It, too, was a beautiful event that reconciled historical pain. Everyone present proudly represented her own faith and at the same time was willing to bond in sisterhood with those of other faiths. At this event, President Obama's adviser on Hindu affairs, Anju Bhargava, was the guest speaker. The Bridge of Peace Ceremony addressed the reality of how religion plays an integral role in the divisions that exist in this nation and the importance of facilitating reconciliation and healing in this area.

Finally, this year, we wanted to address the tension that exists in the relationship between native-born American blacks and immigrants from Africa by having an event that brought together Black History Month, Women's History Month, and International Women's Day. On March 10, 2012, a Bridge of Peace Ceremony of Sisterhood was held at Essex County College, co-sponsored by Women's Federation for World Peace, the Africana Institute at Essex County College, and the African New Hope Association.

The program began with libations by Mrs. Lorraine Jamison. In African culture, a libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid onto soil or the earth to show respect for the ancestors and calling them to attend the event. Rev. Alain Tamelessio, president of the Africa New Hope Association, gave welcoming remarks, followed by an opening statement by Rev. Denneze Nelson, regional chairwoman of WFWP District 3. Mrs. Nelson introduced WFWP and its Founders, and explained how men and women were created in the image and likeness of God, with His dual characteristics. "Unfortunately," she said, "one of the greatest lies ever told and lived is that we are worthless because we are women and because we are women of some color or origin." Mrs. Nelson invited all women to come together in sisterhood to see each other through the eyes of God and to strive to reeducate themselves to a higher level of conscience.

Rev. Juanita Pierre-Louis, WFWP vice president, presented a tribute to the Women's Federation's legacy of peace and justice. The director of the Africana Institute of Essex County College, Dr. Akil Kokayi Khalfani, then gave a presentation entitled "The Journey to Unity." He invited his wife, who is involved with healing and spirituality of black people, to the stage to lead a moment of healing and forgiveness, which deeply moved the audience.

The keynote speaker, the Hon. Amina S. Ali, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the African Union Mission to the USA, spoke about the seriousness of the situation in Africa, where women are desperate for a voice. With such a beautiful spirit, she came and gave a deep speech appealing to America to help African women improve their status. During wars in Africa, she said, women and children are the greatest victims of violence and rape and are often left psychologically damaged for the rest of their life. To give her speech, Dr. Ali traveled three hours each way from Washington, D.C., despite an injured foot.

After all the speakers, the program turned to the Bridge of Peace Ceremony, which aimed at healing the pain and suffering between the black Americans and representatives of African countries. There was a total of 250 participants, including Dr. Ann Iparraguirre, pastor of Lovin' Life Ministries of New Jersey. Also included in the count were about 30 young people who assisted with the event, 40 college students who participated, 2 media organizations, 5 professors, and 47 representatives of other organizations.

Thank you to Dr. Khalfani, who provided the room at Essex County College at no cost to us, arranged the food for the VIPs, and introduced us to Dr. Ali.