Memorial Day 2011

Sleeping in. Barbecues. The start of a steamy summer season. Just a few years ago, Memorial Day was celebrated as the day the pool opened for swim season. However, since September 11th and the beginning of the United States' military involvement in Iraq, Memorial Day has re-emerged as a testament to our troops' dedication and sacrifice. In a country determined to stand unwaveringly behind our military forces, Memorial Day is marked by This holiday finds us in a complicated position within the global military community.
According to the Washington Post, since 2001, 4,442 servicemen and women have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 6,013 have

Need Motivation?

Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. - Martin Luther King Jr.

This quote is in response to recent deaths of high profile people who were targeted and killed as enemies of the United States. As a patriotic American, I believe in due process and justice for all.

Artist Profile Update: Banksy

A few weeks ago, I went traveling with a close friend to San Francisco, California. There, we went on a hunt for original Banksy street art. While looking specifically for Banksy work, we discovered some incredible sights. Permanent, impermanent, fixed, illegal, visual, literary, any type of art you can imagine was present in this creative city. Here are a few Banksy pieces we found intact, in addition to anonymous community art that tickled our fancy.

Banksy work which says, "If at first you don't succeed - call an airstrike."

This art was impermanent, written on tape.

This Banksy mural was protected by a cover, placed there by the landowner.

This painting depicts the personal choices individuals make in regard to their effect on the larger community.

This Native American portrait by Banksy has since been defaced, but originally held a NO TRESPASSING sign. 

These were a few of many scattered words on a sidewalk.

"I know which way the river flows, when I was young, I was told." Community mural in SF.

Mural depicting community values

Banksy art in a private parking lot

This sign says: "Keep your coins, I want change." It is a common phrase used by Banksy, and this sign was placed in a window by a recently removed Banksy piece in the Haight neighborhood.

One Day by Matisyahu

Nothing like a positive reggae encouragement for peace and nonviolence. Enjoy!




Thanks to reggae-loving activist Emily W.

Update: The Yonkofa Project

Quick update on the Yonkofa Project! All the volunteers are alive and well, and they are overseas in Ghana giving it their all: volunteering, meeting people, recording, singing, dancing, learning, and helping out in their host community. Stay tuned for a guaranteed hilarious and insightful de-brief on their journey to Western Africa, complete with stories and photos. Thanks to all who contributed to their mission. 

Environmental Film Fest in DC!

Starting next week, the Environmental Film Festival is taking over Washington! From March 15-27, they are showing over 150 works, and many are free. Topics range from the simple beauty of our planet to the social issues involved in ecological preservation. And for a special treat, the winner of last year's Cannes Film Festival (Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives) will be there. So no matter if you're a professional environmentalist, or you just like nature, check out their website: http://dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/. 

Washingtonian Activists Take On the Yonkofa Project

Map courtesy of Encyclopaedia Brittanica

Yonkofa means "Friendship" in Asante Twi, the principal native language of Ghana. In true Yonkofa fashion, a few of my good friends are traveling next month to bring music and funding for a new clinic to Yiwabra, Ghana. From April 12-22, they will be mixing it up, singing, recording, and volunteering in an existing clinic. Musical activists Taylor Williams and Gabriella Nanci have written a Mass to be recorded by a Ghanaian local choir. The proceeds of the music sales will go directly to funding a new health clinic for their town. Taylor is going to be joined by Emily, Jeffery, and Jeremy for assistance with the production and to volunteer at the clinic. After they return to the United States, The Peace Report will follow up on their journey to share their activities, insights, photos, stories, and new friends.

The Yonkofa Project can also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/yonkofa. Share it with anyone you think might be interested! Have questions? Send me a message, and I will forward them on to Taylor. 

Think about giving a little love to their project and help this clinic become a reality. Donations are tax deductible, and any amount will be greatly appreciated. If you are able to donate, please forward your contributions to:



St. Andrew’s Church
678 Riverside Road, Roswell, GA 30075 



Please make checks payable to St. Andrew’s Church, with the memo: The Yonkofa Project, or simply Taylor Williams. (Checks or cash sans memo may be mis-allocated.) A PayPal site is forthcoming- I will add it when it's ready!

Keep checking in to The Peace Report for Yonkofa Project updates!

Post inspired by activists Taylor W., Emily W., and Jeffery C. Good luck homeslices.