Amazing People who are making the world a better place

As I reflect on the senseless violence that just occurred in Tucson I think about a two people in Boston who I know that are working to make the world a better place. 

So I'm sure a few of you saw my post last night about my wife's and my friend Josie.  Josie just turned 51 and instead of a party for her she threw a party that focused on the Louis D Brown Peace Institute http://www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/, Zumix http://www.zumix.org/index.php and the THEE Slap Bracelets dance group. (check out their video they are amazing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxrkoJuPjLg It was a chance for us to learn and be inspired by their mission and work.  Josie you are amazing.

• The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is a non profit organization in the City of Boston that assists and supports families of homicide victims. Their Core Principles are Love, Unity, Faith, Hope, Courage, Justice and Forgiveness.
  
  The Peace Institute is named after Louis D. Brown, an ambitious young man who dreamed of becoming the nation's first Black president. But big as his dreams were, and as hard as he pursued them, Louis' dreams were shattered. At only 15 years old, on December 20, 1993 while on his way to a Christmas party, he was an innocent victim caught in a gun fight  in Dorchester, MA just as he was about to enter the subway.

• ZUMIX was founded in 1991, in response to a growing number of homicides—many of them among youth—in Boston. Addressing the problems of escalating violence, substance abuse and mortality, and the growing underserved youth population of East Boston, ZUMIX sought to provide alternative ways for youth to deal with frustration, anger and fear. The mission of ZUMIX is empowered youth who use music to make strong positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world.

• THEE Slap Bracelets are lead by 18 year old Khamari Bendolph who found solace through dance after his father and brother were brutally murdered in 2004.  He founded the Slaps as a dance group with a certain sense of social responsibility and, as such, the Slaps have collaborated with community groups such as Peace Boston and participated in awareness events since its founding, such as the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s Walk for Peace.

The other person that has inspired me is my Dentist Dr Charles Badaoui who is in currently in Guatemala on an annual trip with Medical Missions for Children.http://www.mmfc.org/index.htm MMFC is a dedicated group of approximately 375 medical, surgical, and dental volunteers who use personal vacation time each year to travel to remote geographical locations around the world in order to help heal children and young adults suffering from tragic facial deformities, such as cleft lip and palate and severe injuries.   Dr. Badaoui thanks for all that you and your colleagues do!

There is hope in the world when we all decide to do something and get involved.  If you can't give your time at least make a donation however small to these charities!