PEACEMAKERS
THE
FEATURED...
Amar Singh Kaleka
Sikh Temple of Wisconsin Shooting Survivor
Amardeep "Arm" Kaleka is the youngest son of Satwant Singh Kaleka - the president of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin who was gunned down alongside six other beautiful people on August 5th, 2012. Following this tragedy, Amardeep became a spokesperson for the Sikh community - appearing on national news media and lobbying in Washington DC to promote a message of peace and social justice. Amardeep grew up in Milwaukee and after graduating from Marquette University went on to earn his MFA degree in Film and Television Production from the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design. He is an Emmy Award winning filmmaker and president of Neverending Light Productions, based out of Los Angeles, CA and Orlando, FL. Amardeep is also a former middle and high school teacher, and Executive Director of the Milwaukee based "Serve 2 Unite" - an organization that promotes diversity tolerance and peacemaking through community service and youth outreach.
Pardeep Kaleka
Sikh Temple of Wisconsin Shooting Survivor
Pardeep is the eldest son of Satwant Singh Kaleka. As a former Milwaukee Police officer and current teacher in the inner city, Pardeep is no stranger to the battle against racism, bigotry and intolerance. He serves as the School Outreach Director for "Serve 2 Unite" and has spoken at over 24 events. He has sponsored and volunteered with the Arts@ Large Program, promoting positive expression through art education in Milwaukee Public Schools. Pardeep also took part in promoting the Mayors Against Illegal Guns 'Demand-A-Plan' campaign, an effort to press President Barack Obama and Congress to develop a plan to counter gun violence.
Nardyne Jefferies
Daughter Brishell Jones Murdered in 2010
After her 16 year old daughter Brishell Jones was gunned down by an AK-47 in a gruesome drive-by shooting, Nardyne took action - testifying before Washington DC councils, meeting with civic leaders, and even confronting her daughter's killer. As an advocate for solutions for justice system, mental health and gun reform, Nardyne seeks solace in action - but continues to struggle with the horror of losing her only child.
Dale Weiss
Classroom Teacher, PhD in Education
Dale Weiss has served as a public school educator for 23 years – as a classroom teacher, program implementer, and coordinator of a 1.2 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education. She believes children learn best in a classroom where kindness, cooperation, community, and clear boundaries are operative. Dale believes strongly in empowering her students to understand the world around them, and to always know there is something they can do to make our world a better place. To date, Dale has earned three Master’s degrees and a Doctorate – all in the field of education.
Arno Michaelis
Former Skinhead, Author, Activist
In the late 1980's and early 1990's, Arno Michaelis was a founding member of what went on to become the largest racist skinhead organization on Earth, a reverend of a self-declared "Racial Holy War" and lead singer of the hate-metal band Centurion. Single parenthood, love for his daughter and the forgiveness shown by the people he once hated all helped to turn Arno's life around - bringing to him to embrace diversity and practice gratitude for all life. Today, Arno is a speaker, author of My Life After Hate. Having developed a close friendship with Pardeep Kaleka following the events of August 5th, Arno now serves with Pardeep as an Arts @ Large sponsor and School Outreach Director for "Serve 2 Unite."
Frank Meeink
Former Skinhead, Author, Activist
Frank became a Skinhead at at the age of 13, and by 18 was roaming the country as a Neo-Nazi recruiter. His life was the basis for the character of Derek Vinyard in Tony Kaye's film American History X. After being arrested and convicted for kidnapping and assault, Frank found himself becoming friends in prison with men of different races. After being released, he eventually turned his life around and became a noted speaker and author of "Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead" - working to promote tolerance and diversity in all aspects of society.
Tom Mauser
Son Daniel Murdered in Columbine Massacre
Tom's 15 year old son Daniel was among the victims of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. Tom - who still wears his son's shoes as a reminder - is now a vocal lobbyist for closing loopholes in gun regulations. He is the author of "Walking in Daniel's Shoes" and a board member of the advocacy group Colorado Ceasefire.
Sam Granillo
Columbine Massacre Survivor
Though a survivor of the Columbine High School massacre, Sam lost many of his dear friends that day. Now, he has begun work on a documentary called "Columbine: Wounded Minds" - which he hopes will give voice to survivors of the event and find counseling for those still suffering from post-traumatic stress.
Jeff Kass
Author, Reporter on the Columbine Massacre
Jeff was one of the first reporters on the scene of the Columbine High School massacre, and provided continuous coverage of the story in Denver's Rocky Mountain News. He is also the author of "Columbine: A True Crime Story, a victim, the killers and the nation's search for answers." A result of over ten years of research and exclusive information, his book explores the fundamental roots of violence in America, racism, parenting, and policing.
Colin Goddard
Virginia Tech Survivor, Activist
Colin is a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting - he was shot four times while attending his morning French class. Since the 2007 shooting, Colin has become active in gun control and safety issues. He joined with the Brady campaign as the Assistant Director of Outreach and has made numerous media appearances and lobbying efforts on behalf of universal background checks and closing regulation loopholes. He was the subject of the 2010 documentary "Living for 32" which screened at the Sundance film festival in 2011.
Pat Maisch
Tuscon Safeway Survivor, Activist
Pat survived the Tuscon Safeway shooting that took six lives and wounded another 13, including former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. She managed to take the third clip away from the offender as he was tackled by bystanders. Now, she is a vocal advocate for gun safety. Recently in Washington DC, she spoke at the Senate - shaming legislators for failing to pass universal background checks. As a result of speaking out, she was escorted from the Capitol building - but continues to lobby for fair assessment of gun regulations amidst political corruption.
Pam Simon
Tuscon Safeway Survivor, Congressional Aide
Pam worked as an Outreach Coordinator for former Arizon Rep. Gabby Giffords, and was shot twice during the 2011 Safeway shooting in Tuscon, Arizona. Since the shooting, Pam has become a spokesperson for gun safety and fair regulations, including joining forces with the Mayors Against Illegal Guns organization. A former teacher, she is also active in educational and mental health care reform.
Bill Badger
Tuscon Safeway Survivor
A former Army Colonel, Bill was among the survivors of the Tuscon Safeway shooting. Despite having been grazed severely in the head by a bullet, he helped tackle the offender to the ground.
Mavy Stoddard
Tuscon Safeway Survivor
Mavy attended the Gabby Giffords event at the Tuscon Safeway along with her husband Dorwan. When the shooting broke out, her husband threw his body over her to protect her. He was shot in the head fatally - while Mavy, who received bullet wounds to the legs - survived. At his funeral, Mavy spoke out, saying - "He died for me, and I have to live for him. We will not let that gunman take our hopes."
Adrian Raine
Author, Professor at University of Pennsylvania
Adrian Raine is the Richard Perry Professor of Criminology, Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and a leading authority on the biology of violence. He spent many years as prison psychologist in an effort to understand the different types of violent acts, and why some individuals become violent and others do not. He is the author of the best-selling book "Anatomy of Violence."
APPEARANCES BY...
Jeff Daniels
Actor, Activist
Daniels is known as the American actor, musician, and playwright. He also supports the Anti-Defamation League as their spokesperson for the 2012 gala honoring those actively speaking out against intolerance and hate.
Mayor Bloomberg
Mayor of New York City
As well as being the 108th Mayor of New York City, Bloomberg is a co-founder of Mayors Against Illegal Guns leading the fight to keep guns out of criminals hands. His work has brought crime down by 30% in New York City. Mayor Bloomberg believes that America's mayors and business leaders can effect change in Washington.
Reverend Jesse Jackson
Civil Rights Activist, Baptist Minister
In 1965, Jackson started working for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and was with him until his assassination. Jackson is the founder of organizations such as, People United to Serve Humanity and the Rainbow Coalition. He was also a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.
Reverend Al Sharpton
Political Activist, Baptist Minister
Sharpton stands against racial prejudice and injustice. He has run for the Senate, Mayor of New York, and was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004. The National Youth Movement was founded by Sharpton in 1971. He also has his own radio talk show, Keepin' It Real.
Congressman John Lewis
Politician, Civil Rights Leader
Congressman Lewis has been the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th district since 1987. As chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee he is a leader in ending racial discrimination and segregation.
Chris Foye
Son Chris Owens Murdered in 2009
Chris Owens the son of Chris Foye, was fatally shot at the age of 15, in April of 2009. Foye founded the Chris Owens Foundation to promote awareness of the gun violence epidemic in New York City. Beyond Bullets is a documentary film to help prevent teenage gun violence, started my Chris in his sons memory.
Stephen Barton
Aurora Theater Survivor, Activist
Stephen a survivor of the Aurora, Colorado movie theater massacure also grew up minutes from Newton, CT where the Sandy Hook shooting occured. He currently works with Mayors Against Illegal Guns as a Policy and Outreach Advisor.
Tio Hardiman
Founder, Violence Interrupter Initiative
Growing up in Chicago's notorious Henry Horner Housing Projects, Tio was witness to the devastating effects of violence on a community. He has since devoted his life and career to community organizing for peace and social change. In 1999, Tio joined CeaseFire, an award-winning public health model that has been scientifically proven to reduce violent gun murders. He served as the director of CeaseFire Illinois, and founded the Violence Interrupter Initiative, featured in the award-winning 2011 documentary "The Interrupters."
Dan Gross
President, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
Dan Gross serves as President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. He has mobilized thousands of new activists and applied his background in Communications to reframe the national dialogue. He has worked closely with legislators and political leaders in Washington DC and around to country to promote gun regulation reform and represent the voices of the nearly one million Brady Campaign supporters.
Chris Kocher
Aide to Mayor Bloomberg (NY), Activist
Chris is the Director of Outreach and Special Counsel for the Office of the Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg, as well as a representative for the organization Mayor's Against Illegal Guns.
Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins
Sister Nancy Bishop-Langert Murdered in 1990
Sister to Nancy Bishop Langert, who was shot to death with her husband, Richard Langert, and their unborn child in Chicago in 1990. Jennifer is the director for Marsy's Law for Illinois as well as the Illinios Victims Organization. She served on the board of the Illinois Coalition Against the Death Penalty. With over 20 years expirience teaching high school and college students Jennifer has been recognized several times with outstanding teacher awards.
Dionne Gordon
Brother Maurice Gordon Murdered in 2010
Sister to Maurice Gordon, who was shot outside his parents' home on June 21st, 2010. She has become an advocate for firearm reforms, working with Mayor's Against Illegal Guns.
UPCOMING INTERVIEWS...
Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
Politician, Tuscon Safeway Survivor
Gaby is the former Arizona Representative to Congress - having served from 2007 to 2012. While serving her constituency, Gaby often made public appearances - including the Congresswoman On Your Corner event at the Tuscon Safeway. On January 8, 2011, she was shot in the head - alongside 18 others - in a reported assassination attempt. She began a long rehabilitation to recover her ability to walk, speak, read and write - and made remarkable recovery. Gaby and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, started a political action committed called Americans for Responsible Solutions. The PAC supports the Second Amendment, but promotes responsible gun ownership, closing loopholes and keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. Currently, Gaby is touring the country doing advocacy work and confronting legislators.
Mayor Cory Booker
Mayor of Newark, NJ
Serving as the current mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Cory has gained a reputation for his personal involvement in public service. He has gone on a ten day hunger strike outdoors to call attention to the dangers of open-air drug dealing, lived for a period on a food-stamp budget to raise awareness of food insecurity, and continues to promote anti-violence efforts and economic renewal in Newark. Alongside New York City Mayor Bloomberg, Cory is a leading member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns organization, of which over 500 mayors across 40 states now belong.
Ameena Matthews
Violence Interrupter, Former Felon
Ameena serves as a "violence interrupter" in her Chicago community. She is one of three former felons whose personal stories of redemption were profiled in the 2011 documentary film "The Interrupters." Ameena is the daughter of feared gang leader Jeff Fort and a former drug ring enforcer. Currently, she serves her community and CeaseFire Illinois by intervening in street conflicts and promoting peace through public speaking and outreach.
Gregory Jackson
Gun violence survivor, Activist
Greg led a nationwide grassroots effort which empowered thousands of volunteers to fight for federal gun violence prevention measures through Organizing for Action. Only four days after the Senate Vote on Background Checks, Greg was shot as an innocent bystander of a street conflict in Washington, D.C. This incident left him hospitalized for 21 days and was featured on the Rachel Maddow Show, Huffington Post and over a dozen local media outlets. Upon recovery, Greg has transitioned to be the Deputy National Field Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and is now working to elect leaders who will take action on progressive issues such as gun violence prevention.
Camilla Schippa
Director, Institue for Economics and Peace
Camilla Schippa has over 15 years of professional experience in building new initiatives for development and peace, guiding public-private partnerships, leading teams and coordinating vast public outreach efforts. Her first-hand expertise is in intergovernmental organizations, philanthropic strategy and academic research. Camilla is a Director of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). IEP is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit research organization dedicated to shifting the world’s focus to peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and progress.
Steve Killelea
Founder, Institute for Economics and Peace
Steve Killelea is an accomplished entrepreneur in high technology and international business development and at the forefront of philanthropic activities focused on peace and sustainable development. Steve founded the Institute for Economics and Peace to focus on better understanding the linkages between business, peace and economic development. He is also the founder of the Global Peace Index the first ever tool for measuring the peacefulness of countries and identifying the drivers of peace.
Azim Khamisa
Author, Speaker, Father of Tariq shot and killed
Following the murder of his only son Tariq in 1995 through a senseless, gang-related incident, Azim chose the path of forgiveness and compassion rather than revenge, and this amazing choice led to the establishment of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) and his subsequent forgiveness work which has reached millions through international speaking, public and corporate workshops, video and audio recordings and four published books, including the award-winning "From Murder to Forgiveness" and the Random House book "The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit," coauthored with Jillian Quinn.
Omar Samaha
Brother to Reema Murdered in Virginia Tech Shooting
Omar Samaha serves as a Legislative Assistant and Grassroots Coordinator with the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. Omar was a graduate of Virginia Tech, his youngest sister Reema was killed in the mass shooting on the VT campus in April 2007. Since then, Omar has been an advocate for gun violence prevention. He co-founded Students for Gun-Free Schools (SGFS), which opposes efforts to force colleges and universities to allow students and faculty to carry concealed handguns on their campuses.
Jeremy Baileson
Director of Stanford's Virtual Human Interaction Lab
Jeremy Bailenson is founding director of Stanford University’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab, an associate professor in the Department of Communication at Stanford, and a Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment. Bailenson’s main area of interest is the phenomenon of digital human representation, especially in the context of immersive virtual reality. He explores the manner in which people are able to represent themselves when the physical constraints of body and veridically-rendered behaviors are removed.