Calvin Terrell Speaks to Students about Becoming "Warriors" for Peace

Last Monday, to begin All Saints’ Episcopal Day School’s participation in National No Name-Calling Week, Calvin Terrell visited campus to speak with students, faculty, and parents.  Mr. Terrell conducted several seminars addressing different types of bullying and prejudice.  He began his presentation by listing 5 types of people:

1. Cowards are people who go with the consensus or crowd even if they believe something to be unjust.

2. Thugs are people who may have been hurt in their lives and spread that pain by inflicting it upon others.     Thugs crave chaos.

3. Soldiers are those who follow orders; Mr. Terrell commented specifically that there are good and bad soldiers in the world.

4. Rebels are motivated by anger, and go against authority.

5. WARRIORS are those who stand up for what they think is right, and seek out truth.  To be a Warrior is to lead “an authentic life.” Mr. Terrell said that he strives to be a Warrior every day by “learning to listen deeper” to understand those around him. 

When speaking to Middle School students, Mr. Terrell referenced real-world examples of bullying and explained how quickly hurtful words and actions can damage a person or entire community.  He defined prejudice for the group as “where you rank others—above or below yourself,” and commented that prejudice is something that develops over time, not something we are born with. 

When speaking to the Lower School students, Mr. Terrell asked them to try and be “peacemakers” by using kindness and being examples to those around them.  He also explained what it means to “be accountable” for your actions.  Several students stood up in front of the group and apologized to classmates for arguments or hurt feelings, and when they finished sharing, everyone thanked them for being so honest and accountable.  Mr. Terrell also taught them a song to spread a message of kindness:

After Mr. Terrell’s presentations, the students discussed these topics in class.  Some classes wrote about their responses to the guest speaker, others made art projects to express their reactions.  Everyone seemed moved by the presentation, and it was a powerful beginning to No Name-Calling Week.