Speaker Series at Sonoma State University

East Point Peace Academy,

Jimmy Ballard brings with him many years of practical experience both as a community leader and as a Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation trainer. We are going to let him introduce himself with his own words!

Born in the deep south, I am a product of the Jim Crow era and the resulting Civil Rights movement. Throughout my lifetime, I have been directly or indirectly impacted by the racist and hate driven ideologies of slavery, segregation, mass incarceration and the far reaching tentacles of other such racial caste systems throughout the world.

The driving force in my life is my spiritual faith and a belief in the infinite wisdom of the guiding principles of nonviolence. As a leadership team member, I aim to advance the cause of social justice through the teachings of Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation. I further intend to create a space for a "just peace" that fosters healing in individuals, and cultivates leaders who  in turn facilitate the healing of others. Through collaboration with other community organizations, and networking with individuals, businesses, and service providers, I hope to reach across cultural and economic divides in the creation of a more just society. 

I believe that in order to strengthen community resolve in our at-risk communities, we must first recruit and train a diverse group of peace warriors and supporters who can effectively reach across social constructs to address the issues that most affect our at-risk communities. The ultimate goal is to use nonviolence to counter the negative effects of injustice in our society. I look forward to serving our community.

Please join us in welcoming Jimmy into this new role with East Point Peace Academy!

In community and love,

East Point Peace Academy