Little Voices Are Loud x Hero Copy
HEROES OF PEACE
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, is the Buddhist spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He teaches on nonviolence and kindness, and advocates for peaceful solutions when facing conflict.
The Dalai Lama encourages us to practice tolerance and respect towards others, and to offer these same qualities to the earth and all living things. In 1959, during the Tibetan Uprising against the Chinese Invasion, he fled to India in search of safety. Then in 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his advocacy in international disputes, human rights, and environmental issues. To this day, the Dalai Lama still lives as a refugee in New Delhi, India’s capital.
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Using a nonviolent, peaceful approach, Mahatma Gandhi led the nation of India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. He attempted to practice nonviolence and truth in all situations, and he always advocated that others do the same.
Gandhi is known for having lived very modestly; he resided in a small community, wore traditional clothing, and stuck to a simple vegetarian diet. Throughout his lifetime, he not only spoke out on behalf of the poor, but he also fought for women’s rights and for freedom from racial discrimination. In India, Gandhi is unofficially referred to as the Father of the Nation, but worldwide, his birthday (October 2nd) is celebrated as the International Day of Nonviolence. ———————————————————————————————————————
HEROES OF EQUALITY
Malala Yousafzai is an incredible voice for girls’ access to education, especially in her home of Pakistan, where girls are often not allowed to go to school.
When political changes in her village tried to prevent female students from attending classes, Malala stood up against this oppression. She was brave in voicing her belief that every girl deserves an education, the same as boys receive. At just 17 years old, Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize -- making her the youngest person ever to receive this honor! Today her organization, The Malala Fund, supports programs all over the world that empower and equip young women. ——————————————
Martin Luther King, Jr. was the leader of the African-American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, and he believed everyone should have the same rights regardless of their skin color.
During this time in America’s history, King and many others began speaking out against segregation, which was the practice of keeping races separated at places like schools, parks, and restaurants. King led the movement to end segregation by encouraging people to be peaceful; he believed nonviolence was the only way to solve this problem. Because of his bravery and dedication, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed, which made segregation illegal in the United States. Later that same year, King was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. ———————————————————————————————————————
HEROES OF ENVIRONMENT
Ryan Hreljac was just six years old when he learned there were people in Uganda who walked long distances to collect fresh water.
After hearing this, Ryan decided to do something to help. He started doing chores at home and in his neighborhood to raise money, and he spoke to anyone who would listen and might be willing to help him build a well. This is how Ryan’s Well Foundation began, an organization providing sustainable solutions to the water crisis in the poorest regions of the world. Almost two decades later, Ryan’s Well Foundation has built over 800 wells in 16 different countries, providing water to more than 750,000 people! ——————————————
Dr. Wangari Maathai started the Green Belt Movement in 1977 to challenge deforestation. Deforestation is the destruction of forests when land is cleared for other uses, like building and farming. When this happens, it not only hurts our environment, but millions of animals and living things lose their homes.
Dr. Maathai’s organization has trained more than 30,000 women in sustainable environmental practices, including beekeeping and responsible forestry. On top of that, the Green Belt Movement has also planted more than 51 million trees! In 2004, Dr. Maathai became the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She saw a problem, pushed forward to find a solution, and has encouraged thousands to join her in the process.