Here, at the Edge

This week we are holding one of our legendary discussions, with another International guest:

We met Isaura in 2006, when she visited with her son, Matthew.  Isaura set up the Bobby Mendes Peace Legacy in association with our US colleague, Shannon Flattery of Touchable Stories.  They use the arts and peace campaigning to work against violence in their home neighbourhood of Dorchester, Boston in memory of Isaura’s son Bobby, murdered in 1995.  Bobby’s murder sparked off a spiral of violence between young Cape Verdeans which has resulted in almost a thousand deaths over the last 15 years – an incredible figure in such a relatively small place. Her and her son Matthew visited with us and attended a number of workshops and discussion groups with young people in Birmingham, and with the parents of young people who had suffered violent deaths.  They had an amazing time with us, and Matthew, particularly said that the visit had allowed him to ‘find his voice’ – and returned to his community to continue the work alongside his mother, campaigning for peace.  Matthew was murdered in a drive-by shooting three weeks after their return.  Despite this second tragedy, Isaura has continued to work for peace, even publicly forgiving Bobby’s murderer at his trial.  She is back for a second visit, and we are honoured to host her.  If you’d like to hear this inspirational woman talk, please come along to the Edge, this Thursday from 6pm, we’d love to see you there. Of course, it’s free, but feel free to donate to the Peace Legacy through their website. Thanks.