The Al Filipov Peace & Justice Forum known for “Recalling a Day – Remembering a Life – Changing the World” has drawn to a close after 20 years of holding annual forums in Concord.. The Forum was honored recently for its work at Trinitarian Congregational Church, Concord.
“It was a difficult decision to conclude the Forum’s work after so many years, but in my heart I knew it was time,” said Loretta Filipov, wife of Al Filipov. “The Committee and I are so proud of the breadth of speakers we’ve had over the years and we’ve never shied away from any issue.”
The Forum was held each year in September in memory of Concord resident Al Filipov, who was tragically killed on 9/11. The mission of the Al Filipov Peace & Justice Forum is to promote peace and justice among all people and to demonstrate the power of an individual to make a positive difference in the world. The Forum invited a distinguished individual or group to speak about his or her work. All speakers were drawn from a variety of backgrounds and faith traditions, but all shared the commitment of a life actively engaged for a more peaceful and equitable world.
Award recipients and speakers have included Dr. Jim O’Connell, President of Boston Health Care for the Homeless; Malika Saada-Saar, human rights lawyer and advocate to stop child sex trafficking; Lois Gibbs, environmental justice pioneer for her efforts at Love Canal and the first EPA Superfund site; and Michael Murphy, an architect whose mission is to research, build, and advocate for architecture that promotes justice and human dignity. For a complete list of award recipients and speakers, go to alfilipov.org .
“I also want to add my thanks to the tireless efforts of our committee and to everyone who attended the Forums over 20 years,” Loretta Filipov said. “I believe we did a lot of good in the community and I hope people are inspired to keep doing positive things in this world.”
