Azim Khamisa

Author, Speaker, Founder

Tario Kamisha Foundation

Friday General Session - Plenary

Azim Khamisa is an inspiration. Hailed by dignitaries such as the Dalai Lama, Former President Bill Clinton and Al Gore, Azim carries his inspirational message of forgiveness, peace and hope into a world in desperate need of each. Following the loss of his only son Tariq in 1995 to a senseless, gang-related murder, Azim chose the path of forgiveness and compassion rather than revenge and bitterness, and this amazing choice led to the establishment of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (www.TKF.org) and the subsequent forgiveness movement which has reached millions.

Through the work of TKF - working alongside Ples Felix, the grandfather of the young man who murdered Tariq - Azim has spoken in person to a half-million children, with another 20 million being touched by his message through video presentations. The public has also heard his message via print, audio, video and television specials. A recipient of 50 prestigious local, regional, national and international awards, Azim’s focus remains on his vision of a peaceful, non-violent world where people make empowering choices.

In 2002 he received the prestigious “Search for Common Ground” international award for “Building Peaceful Communities” along with Archbishop Desmond Tutu & Ted Koppel. In 2004 he participated in the Synthesis Dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. And in 2006 came the Circle of Courage Award from Reclaiming Youth International. His profound work has been featured in the New York Times, People Magazine, Parade Magazine, Washington Post and U.S.A. Today, as well as on NBC’s Today Show and KPBS Fresh Air.