FOWPAL’s Peace Bell Rings to Awaken Conscience | WPN World People News

The "Harlem Love & Peace Save The Children Gala," organized by the World Conference of Mayors (WCM) and other groups, was held in Harlem, New York on September 22, 2024.

Children are the future of every nation, and countries worldwide have consistently prioritized their education and protection. On the afternoon of September 22, 2024, the "Harlem Love & Peace Save The Children Gala" was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Harlem, New York, organized by the World Conference of Mayors (WCM) and other groups. The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) was invited to host a ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, with four distinguished leaders, including New York State Senator Cordell Cleare and former U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel, ringing the Bell. FOWPAL also led a minute of silence, sending kind wishes for children and global peace during the event.

Jack Tawil, Chairman and CEO of Medpod, rang the Bell and made a wish for peace on September 22, 2024.

Johnny Ford, founder and president of World Conference of Mayors, stated that the event was significant, with distinguished leaders gathered to ring the Bell of World Peace and Love. These leaders, united in their commitment to peace, pledged to continue their efforts in promoting love and unity. At a time marked by war, gun violence, climate change, economic instability, and other global crises, the message of peace and love was seen as a powerful force to bring people together in defense of humanity and the survival of the planet. The leaders endorsed the movement for peace, love, and conscience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and a shared commitment to a better future.

Former U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who is in his 90s, rings the Bell of World Peace and Love on September 22, 2024. He wished for world peace.

Another event co-organizer, Bobby Hunter, chairman of United Churches and a former Harlem Globetrotter, referenced American poet Langston Hughes, noting the significant global impact of Harlem's development. Hunter praised the event as a great success, with participants spontaneously delivering speeches for world peace. He highlighted that September 23 marks the World Day of the Power of Hope and expressed admiration for Dr. Hong's timing in choosing this important occasion, coinciding with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly and drawing the participation of many influential figures from across New York. Hunter emphasized the importance of uniting to call for peace and protect children, calling it a truly wonderful cause.

Young members of FOWPAL deliver a captivating performance titled "We Can Change the World." The audience joined in by waving their hands in time with the music, creating a warm and moving atmosphere.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL and leader of Tai Ji Men, emphasized in his speech that children are the future and hold the key to a sustainable world. He stressed the importance of safeguarding children’s safety and health, ensuring they grow up in a positive environment, and helping them develop correct values. Dr. Hong highlighted that understanding and practicing love and peace is a shared responsibility. He pointed out that the foundation for a sustainable future and peace lies in the guidance of conscience. When individuals reflect honestly and calmly, conscience leads them to make wise and just decisions, even in challenging situations. By practicing daily self-reflection, Dr. Hong noted, people can unlock their potential and contribute to a world filled with greater love and peace.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL and leader of Tai Ji Men, presented the Compass Clock of Conscience to several distinguished guests. The clock serves as a reminder for people to uphold and protect their conscience in all their endeavors and to work together to create a better world.

New York State Senator Cordell Cleare rang the Bell of World Peace and Love and stated, “It is my wish that all people receive justice and reparations for all harms and damages suffered. Without reparations there is no justice. Without justice there is no peace.” She shared her reflections on the powerful symbolism of the Bell of World Peace and Love: "It was really an incredible experience. I didn't know what to expect, but as I stood there, the bell sounded so clear, and in that bell, it's as clear as my mission, it's as clear as the thoughts that I have towards peace.” She said she felt very honored to be a bell ringer.

Jack Tawil, Chairman and CEO of Medpod, rang the Bell and wished for “high quality healthcare access and reduction of health disparities for all.” He hopes to bring excellence in medical services to the world and achieve peace around the world through healthcare and healthy people.

Former U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who is in his 90s, rang the Bell of World Peace and Love and wished for world peace.

Voza Rivers, Chairman and Co-founder of the Harlem Arts Alliance, rang the Bell and expressed his wish for an end to all wars and peace to prevail across the world. He said, "This ceremony was very, very special for me, and ringing the Bell just added and made me aware of the important work that I'm doing, because I am a social justice advocate. I felt that peace and the message of peace and love is so special to me personally, because the work that I do is around ‘no more wars,’ ‘no more violence,’ peace, love.”

Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, former President of Trinidad and Tobago, shared insightful thoughts: “We live in a society where ethical conduct suffers at the altar of a premature law where legitimacy stretches and even compromises moral conduct expected in and of institutional governance. And this is why it is so important that you recognize your inner and outer worth as NGOs.”

At the end of the event, young members of FOWPAL delivered a captivating performance titled "We Can Change the World." The audience joined in by waving their hands in time with the music, creating a warm and moving atmosphere. The collective call for the power of change energized the crowd. It was a moment not only of musical harmony but also of heartfelt connection, uniting the hope and actions of everyone present in the shared goal of promoting love and peace.