Believe In Peace 2014

- OUR WORK BEGAN -
With the dream of being a Peacemaker and the encouragement of his wife at the time, our founder Yhoshua Adama worked early in his career to connect communities across cultural, economic, and generational divides. He found innovative ways to engage the people through the art he created, and he built a network of professional artists, enthusiasts, and organizational leaders in the process. He wanted to transform a paradigm, he understood that we all struggle with dealing with the symptoms of depression, stress, and trauma.  He was known for doing the work to inspire hope and to create and sustain harmony. He found his calling as a counsel, guide, and assistant to organizations and leaders in his community.

​Yhoshua wanted to encourage people to explore their personal goals. He would coach and assist them in building healthy coping skills, and teach them about non-violent conflict resolution and soft power. 

- THE VISION WAS PURE -
​Yhoshua established the Peace Culture Club behind the idea that every person on the planet deserves to have peace. It is a right and it should be protected, we are the Peacekeepers. Yhoshua attended countless workshops and seminars focused on the national advancement of innovative programs that counter the effects of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and toxic stress. He worked with organizations like the Virginia Department of Health and the Petersburg YMCA, while educating communities and supporting organizations working for related causes. When he began, Yhoshua put a great deal of emphasis on going into the schools and community centers to engage in preventive measures against violence and intimidation. He wanted to develop advocates and effective Peace Clubs by focusing on collaboration with well-respected existing organizations and institutions engaging the Virginia at-risk population.

​In 2016 the Peace Culture Club was started in Richmond Virginia, in the heart of a city marked by urban strife. Our leader Yhoshua Adama found his voice there working in a community discouraged by a past steeped in racial conflict and the constant barrage of negative headlines and sensationalized news. The media painted a bleak picture, fostering a pervasive belief that peace was an elusive dream in times of war. 

Undeterred, Yhoshua recognized the need to challenge this narrative. He embarked on a mission to counteract the prevailing cynicism, organizing small group meetings to discuss the impact of media portrayal on perceptions. Through open dialogue, he encouraged residents to question the narratives fed to them and to seek alternative perspectives.

​Yhoshua knew that breaking the cycle required a shift in mindset. Collaborating with local artists, he curated exhibitions that highlighted stories of resilience, compassion, and community cooperation. These narratives, often overlooked by mainstream media, became a powerful antidote to the prevailing pessimism.

As the community began to engage in constructive conversations, Yhoshua’s vision gained momentum. People realized that choosing to believe in peace wasn’t naive; it was a courageous act of defiance against the narrative of perpetual conflict. Slowly, the community transformed, proving that, despite the media’s discouragement, the possibility of peace could be embraced and realized.

​Today we have the opportunity to escape the shadows of neglect and adversity that loom over our at-risk population. It all starts with a visionary leader emerging and committing to demonstrate Peace Culture. Yhoshua was a dedicated and determined advocate. He started the Peace Culture Club and began his mission because he believed in the transformative power of peace. Amidst challenges, he rallied the community, fostering dialogue and understanding.

As skeptics doubted, Yhoshua persisted, emphasizing that peace wasn’t merely the absence of conflict but a shared commitment to uplifting each other. He organized his local community and brought together diverse voices to bridge gaps and cultivate a sense of unity.

​Through the arts, education, and collaboration, the community began to blossom. Conversations evolved into action and collaboration as hope flourished. Yhoshua’s unwavering faith and belief in peace not only transformed the narrative but also inspired others in similar situations to become advocates as well.

In the end, Yhoshua proved that choosing to believe in peace wasn’t just an idealistic notion; it was a powerful catalyst for positive change. Just imagine the lives you can change by doing the same. It is up to us to save our at-risk communities, showcasing that unity and understanding can overcome even the toughest challenges.