JACKSONVILLE PeaceJam 2016

I went to Ghana with Peace Jam in June of 2016. It was my first “PJ” experience and it was amazing. We also were notably one of their highest monetary

donors in their history, but it isn’t enough to give money. Giving time and compassion is important, too.

Peace Jam basically teaches Nobel Peace Prize proven curriculum to students with the hopes that the teenagers across the world will be inspired to be leaders, know they can achieve anything despite dire circumstances, love more, be compassionate and speak out. As Laymah Gbowee said in Ghana, Peace is not the absence of war. It is a world where we all treat each other fairly.

Here are some photos and videos from my trip. We have already committed to going to another Peace Jam event soon. I cannot explain the love in my heart for the people of Ghana and will go back.

PHOTOS / VIDEOS:

VIDEO: John speaking to over 400 teenagers in Ghana about Jordan Davis, equality and finding inspiration in lost loved ones.

VIDEO: John mentoring teens in a game similar to “Shark Tank” where each group got a million dollar seed money and had to start a business… with a mission of GIVING BACK.

VIDEO: Excerpt of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee’s speech.

PHOTOS from Trip (Album 1).

PHOTOS from Trip (Album 2).

FAQ:

Why are you going to Ghana? / What will you be doing in Ghana?

We live in One World. I’ve never visited Africa (my last continent except for Antarctica). So, it’s my version of a mission trip. Although I plan to go back, an opportunity opened up with PeaceJam. I plan to spread peace and love and give back to an amazing project.

PeaceJam is an international education program built around Nobel Peace Prize Laureates who work personally with youth to pass on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody. The goal of PeaceJam is to inspire a new generation of leaders who will transform themselves, their local communities, and the world.

The Ghana trip features Leymah Gbowee. So there’s a Jordan Davis connection. Leymah was the subject of an Abby Disney movie- pray the devil back to hell. She basically helped liberate Liberia. My family was part of an Abby Disney documentary- the armor of light. So, Abby Disney is our degree of separation. We came in as a donor to help and the Points Guy chipped in my travel.

It’s a blessing to be able to help and I appreciate my family and firm for the love and understanding about why this is important. I look forward to seeing you all on the return.

MORE:

Watch Leymah Gbowee on Jon Stewart

Tell me more about Armor of Light.

Tell me more about Pray the Devil Back to Hell.

Tell me more about Jordan Davis.