Voices for Peace and Social Justice Volume 3

There are currently 7.9 billion people (2022) populating the planet Earth. Science has clearly and unambiguously demonstrated that there are no real and substantial differences between any members of the human species other than those unique attributes that we all possess. In this light, race is a patently artificial and decidedly false construct.
Yet, in spite of this intrinsic reality, the human world is consumed by hatreds and antagonisms born of these manufactured differences. It seems that racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, and political differences represent the driving force for violence and aggression between and within nations. Peace remains an elusive goal for humanity.

Thankfully, there are many individuals, groups, and collectives that are directing their energies towards creating a future more aligned with peace and social justice. In this volume, twenty-eight individuals are celebrated for their contribution to this over-arching goal. These individuals have been grouped into the following categories.

• Individuals of historic Importance include Anne Hutchinson, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, George Washington Williams, Dame Cecily Saunders, William Wilberforce, Ann Arnold Hedgeman, and Emma Gotcher
• Contemporary leaders involved in the American Civil Rights movement include John Louis, Walter Ahmann, Stacey Abrams, Arthur Waskow, Phyllis Berman, and Pramila Jayapal
• The category that specifically refers to the U.S. Internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II includes Fred Koramatsu, Gordon Hirabyashi and Walt and Milly Woodward.
• Those involved in regional human rights issues around the globe include Nadia Murad Basee Taha of Iraq, Rose Mapendo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr, Denis Mukwege Mukengere of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Raif Badawi of Saudi Arabia, Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, and Oscar Arias Sanchez of Costa Rica.
• And finally individuals involved in Native People's Rights includes Chief Raoni Metuktire, Eloise P. Cobell, Maxima Acuna De Chaupe, Sarah Deer and Cecile Ann Hansen.

Collectively, these individuals have made many contributions to the overarching goal of making significant progress towards a more peaceful world in which equality and social justice can blossom and thrive. What follows is an examination of the nature and extent of their efforts.