Students teaching about peace

These teens and the discussions they are having and the things they plan to do can change the world for the better. DP

By MARY C. CURTIS

charlotte.com: In Charlotte, it's possible to work, shop, go to school and church and never meet anyone that different from yourself. It's called staying inside your comfort zone.

In Charlotte, a group of young people has chosen another path. They don't mind feeling "uncomfortable," if that's what it takes to learn.

When I participate in the Peace Journeys program, sponsored by the Charlotte Coalition for Social Justice since 2001, I am inspired by what high-school students teach me.

Peace Journeys grew from an initiative by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and historian John Hope Franklin, who brought together young people from South Africa, the U.S. and Senegal to discuss race and reconciliation.

Their initiative has continued through activities like the one in Charlotte, three and a half days of togetherness, with time spent at Camp Thunderbird at Lake Wylie.

The emphasis is on understanding history and, as the program's mission states, "the need to apply the lessons of the past to create a more inclusive and just future."

The teens, about 44 this year, are nominated by diversity facilitators at their schools and write essays in order to take part. What they are doing requires hard work. But to see them sharing life stories and laughter, and starting friendships based on common goals, is to realize that they wear their task lightly.

Hey, they're teenagers.

Where do I come in? As part of the "intergenerational dialogue." This year's Elders' Luncheon, at Friendship Baptist Church, featured chicken, peach cobbler and the usual provocative conversation. It is hoped the elders bring wisdom and experience. The younger generation brings energy, optimism and ideas that don't rely on the old way of doing things.

At my table, we had a future doctor, lawyer and -- I feel confident predicting -- president of the United States.
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