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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Peace During War Is A Story Of Forgiveness And Redemption

Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Communication Professor Jennifer Marchiolatti says “It’s frightening to change.” The documentary she produced and directed tells the story of two men who made major changes in their lives.

Peace During War debuted in 2014, and will be shown Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 in Knauss Hall at Western Michigan University. Marchiolatti will attend the screening along with Yafincio Harris and Michael Wilder. It's part of a series of events sponsored by Western's Center for the Study of Ethics in Society

The short film tells the story of Wilder and Harris. They were on opposite sides of a gang feud in Kalamazoo. It had tragic consequences when Harris’ cousin was shot and killed. Wilder and another man turned themselves into police the next day in connection with the man's death. 

"We can cross borders. Borders of race, of background, of gender, of neighborhood, and we can come together for something bigger."

Harris went to prison himself on unrelated charges. The two men ended up in the same community college class years later. Despite their past, they became friends and started a youth mentoring group in Kalamazoo.

Marchiolatti says the film shows the power of forgiveness and

“We can cross borders. Borders of race, of background, of gender, of neighborhood, and we can come together for something bigger.”

jennifermachiorlatti012216-web.mp3
Interview with Jennifer Marchiolatti - web version

Peace During War is also the name of the organization launched by Harris and Wilder with support from the Fetzer Institute and the Forum of Greater Kalamazoo. Machiolatti says it works with young people, and also with law enforcement officials.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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