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From Murder to Forgiveness Author Azim Khamisa To Speak at CCEJ's Interfaith/Intercultural Breakfast

From Murder To Forgiveness Author Azim Khamisa to Speak on Forgiving his Son’s Killer and Teaching Compassion at CCEJ's 22nd Annual Interfaith/Intercultural Breakfast


Committing his life to halting the continuing cycle of violence among the youth, Azim became a social activist after his 20-year-old son, Tariq, was senselessly murdered while delivering pizzas in January 1995 by Tony Hicks, a 14-year-old gang member. Out of unspeakable grief and despair, Azim was inspired to transform his loss through the miraculous power of forgiveness. Believing that there were “victims at both ends of the gun,” Azim forgave Tony and founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation to break the cycle of youth violence by saving lives, teaching peace and planting seeds of hope in their future.  To watch a clip of Azim Khamisa’s story, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=813IRQoOlBY  


Hosted by the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) and Co-Chaired by Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and Reverend Sunshine Daye, the breakfast (February 12) will highlight Azim and incorporate the traditions of several religious and cultural groups that contribute to the ethnic and spiritual mosaic of the community. CCEJ invites people of all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds to come together to celebrate the rich diversity of Southern California as well as share the vision of truly inclusive communities. 

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CCEJ is a human relations organization dedicated to eliminating bias, bigotry, and racism in America.CCEJ breaks down the distance between people by promoting understanding and respect among all races, religions, and cultures through education, conflict resolution, and advocacy. 

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