Changing the Culture of Violence Through the 14th Annual Month of Non-Violence, Families, and Understanding Artificial Intelligence



Changing the Culture of Violence Through the 14th Annual Month of Non-Violence, Families, and Understanding Artificial Intelligence


Americans labor under the threat of gun violence, domestic abuse, school shootings, attacks on churches, mosques, and synagogues, domestic terrorism, and the growing threat of Artificial Intelligence that can influence elections and eliminate jobs.


The estimated number of violent crimes in the United States was 1,221,345, according to FBI data released in August 2025. In response to the growing epidemic of violence and diminished opportunities, Dr. Stephanie Myers and Honorable Daun S. Hester, National Co-Chairs of Black Women for Positive Change (BWFPC), declared October 2025 the 14th Annual Month of Non-Violence, Families and Understanding Artificial Intelligence.


BWFPC is an inter-racial network composed of a coalition of Women, Men, GenZs, Millennials, and Boomers who are intergenerational and ecumenical. Sponsors of the October Month of Non-Violence are the Positive Change Foundation, Everytown for Gun Safety, Trusted Inc., Best Conflict Solutions, 100 Fathers Inc., National Black Nurses Association, National Association for Conflict Resolution, Mediators Beyond Borders International, and many more.


In a joint statement, Dr. Stephanie Myers and Honorable Daun S. Hester said, “We are now in our 14th year of promoting Non-Violence and Changing the Culture of Violence in America, and the World. Our members and affiliates have held pro-peace and Peace Circle events in the USA, and overseas. During this October we promoted a social media ‘Peace Pledge’ and we are encouraging educators, sports activists, students, and public officials to sing, speak, and/or dance the non-violent Peace Pledge. In addition, the Peace Pledge is trending globally in Liberia, Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana and other African nations.” Mayor Cherelle Parker, of Philadelphia, PA. and National Talk Show Host Tavis Smiley, have chanted the Peace Pledge on social media and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and City of Lancaster, California Mayor R. Rick Paris, have issued Proclamations.


During October, a series of events have addressed the issues of non-violence and using AI from various perspectives. On October 18, 2025 Adam Clayton Powell III, a scholar and leader in cybersecurity, Dr. Denice Turley, an educator and trainer, and Dr. Barbara Reynolds, author of “Artificial Intelligence and the Rise and Fall of the Techno-Messiah”, held a virtual platform about how AI is affecting the workplace and upcoming elections. Other events included, an honest session about “Understanding Intimate Partner Violence,” by the National Black Nurses Association; “How Artificial Intelligence Impacts Systematic Thinking in Young People”, at Archbishop High School, Washington DC; and a panel titled, “Voices, Vision and Voices Coming Together,” among high school youth in Portsmouth Virginia, Center for Public Service. On Oct 27, 7 pm/EST, there will be a live webinar on “Conflict Resolution and Gun Safety,” sponsored by Operation AmericanRAC. Information available at: www.monthofnonviolence.org

Non-Violence Peace Pledge 

Available at: 

Video of Mayor Parker on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackwomen4poschange 

TikTok: @blackwomen4poschange

Instagram: monthofnonviolence

Facebook: Black Women for Positive Change. 

  

 Everyone is invited to tape the Pledge and send video to: bkwomen4poschange@gmail.com 

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