Telling the Story of Peace & Freedom: Learning from History

As we continue exploring things we can do or consider to tell a compelling story about peace and freedom, we realize we keep talking about certain people - our Peace & Freedom heroes. So why not draw inspiration from the narrative arc of their lives?

Strategy 2: Learn From History.

Of course there are the famous stories many of us are familiar with, of both individuals and communities who promoted peace and freedom in various ways throughout history:

• B. R. Ambedkar
• Ella Baker
• César Chavez
• H. H. The 14th Dalai Lama
• M. K. Gandhi
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Wangari Maathai
• Nelson Mandela
• Mother Teresa
• Harriet Tubman
• Howard Zinn

We can always learn more from these stories. Look for themes or correlations between the story you’re trying to tell and theirs. Let them help you tell your story in an inspiring way.

And remember: You don’t have to limit yourself to famous folks.

Are there inspiring peacemakers in your own family, or the town where you live?

Share your list of people working for peace and freedom below.

A couple great examples to check out:

1. Ella Baker Center for Human Rights’ blog series on unsung heroes, which gathers and honors the stories of everyday folks working for peace and freedom.
2. Watch Wangari Maathai connect tree planting and taking a stand against an oppressive dictatorship: