Azim Khamisa is a peace activist, author, and founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF), established after his 20-year-old son, Tariq, was killed by a 14-year-old gang member, Tony Hicks, in 1995. Rather than seeking revenge, Khamisa forgave Hicks and, alongside Hicks’ grandfather, Ples Felix, formed TKF to combat youth violence through education, mentorship, and community programs. Khamisa is a prominent speaker on peace, forgiveness, and restorative justice, and has authored books such as “From Murder to Forgiveness” and “The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit.” He has received numerous awards for his work, including the National Crime Victim Service Award. Khamisa’s philosophy emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and empathy, advocating for restorative justice to heal both victims and perpetrators.
Azim Khamisa Quotes
01. “It’s hard to forget, but forgiveness is something you do for yourself.”
— Azim Khamisa
02. “From the onset, I saw victims on both ends of the gun. I will mourn my son’s death for the rest of my life. Now, however, my grief has been transformed into a powerful commitment to change. Change is urgently needed in a society where children kill children.”
— Azim Khamisa
03. “What would Integrity have me do?”
— Azim Khamisa
04. “I felt my country should do more for its children. Its children are not born gangsters. In fact, they have in them the potential to be heroes because most of the kids who are in these gangs are leaders, very charismatic and good organizers.”
— Azim Khamisa
