Universal Peace Federation Peace Forum

Peace Forum

“Bridging the Gap: Creating a New Paradigm for Inter-Generational Communication”

Bridgeport, CT

September 29, 2018

The organizers wanted to address this issue especially in light of newly immigrated families to the United State dealing with the adverse effects language barrier and cultural differences have on the family, especially between the generations. The more they delved into the issue the more they came to understand the issue exists in families of all types.

To quote from the program, “All family traditions and cultures throughout the world value respect for elders, filial piety and love for children. These are universal values that transcend religions and races but there are many challenges to the fulfillment of these ideals. As young people mature and exercise their independence and autonomy, they often wish to distinguish themselves from their elders and this can often lead to misunderstanding and conflict. Similarly, the relationships between educators and students mirror those between parents and children.”

After a beautifully prepared and scrumptious Continental Breakfast, the participants were welcomed by UPF-CT Executive Director, Roger Wetherall who did yeoman’s’ work in organizing the forum with tremendous assistance from his wife, Daniela.

Dr. Elaine Golden of FRITECH ministries opened the forum with a sincere prayer asking God’s guidance and enlightenment on all present.

Ricardo de Sena, President of UPF-USA gave an introduction to UPF and, after introducing his family and his “Queen” (his wife), explained the main purpose of the organizations was to make families stronger and uphold the God-given ideals that all religions and people of conscience support.

Dr. Drissa Kone, Professor at the Unification Theological Seminary and Executive Director of UPF’s African Diaspora reported on some of UPF recent international activities including Korean Re-unification, African Summit and Climate Change.

Session 1 on Social and Educational Aspects began with readings of selected wisdom texts edited by Professor Claude Perrottet. This was to put the participants in the mindset of those who have thought about these issues and commented on the importance of the ideals we all recognize and strive for. The readers were UB Professor of Law, John Kirkley and UB Director of International Admissions, Steven Boyd.

Presenters for Session 1 included Sharon LaGrotteria, high school teacher at Bridgeport International Academy, who explained the meaning of filial piety in Chinese culture. She also touched on her personal experience with her own father. While growing up in typical traditional Chinese culture, her father was somewhat aloof and distant. After she got married she was challenged by her husband to show him some affection and kiss him on the cheek. He immediately melted emotionally, and their relationship has grown stronger ever since.

The next presenter was Bridgeport City Councilperson Denese Taylor-Moye who stressed the importance of being able to communicate and how, often due to the language barrier, it can hinder social, educational and economic life, and even one’s physical health.

Mr. Peter Umunay, PhD Candidate at Yale University, spoke on understanding and appreciating one’s own identity, whatever or wherever one might come.

Roundtable discussion then followed and reports from some of the tables were given.

Session 2 focused on Parents and children and for this session everyone under 30 was segregated from everyone over 30 and directed to sit together for discussion.

Readings were provided by high school history teacher Bruce Clarke and high school student Jared Simpson.

Presenter, Bruni Whitcomb, Director of Public Relations, stressed that children are not only influenced by their parents’ words, but even more so by their actions. A good example will foster a good relationship with your child.

Francis Kalangala, Co-Founder of African Families Synergy, noted that in Africa it “takes a village to raise a child,” whereas in the United States with its variety of cultural norms this is not the case and leads to a lot of consternation within African families in U.S.

The final presenter was Laeticia Iboki, Quinnipiac University student, who emigrated from the Congo when she was six years old. Especially as a teenager she was faced with the dilemma of fulfilling her family’s expectation while desiring to fit in with her peers. It was a challenge she had to live with. One touching story was about the 8th grade dance to which she very badly wanted to go, but her mom just couldn’t understand what it was. After several conversations and tears, the conflict was resolved, and she was able to attend with one of her friends.

This was followed by discussion of the issue and reporting of the youngers to the elders and the elders to the youngers. In short, the younger people asked to be trusted and listened to, the elders asked the same thing. Quite a realization for all involved.

Ambassador for Peace Awards were presented to :

·         Bridgeport City Councilperson Jack Banta

·         Mr. Robert Ilunga and Pastor Matilda M. Ilunga

Founding couple of Congo community in Connecticut.

The program concluded with Family Renewal Blessing. Pastor Mika Deshotel of Family Church of CT explained that with what we have learned at this forum we want to commit to each other as husband and wife and within the family between parents and children. Pledges were recited, toast of Holy Juice as given, and the participants were sprinkled with holy water.

The event concluded with a group photo with all the participants.