Dayton peace prize writers offer support
After the mass shooting in the Oregon District, writers who have been part of the famed Dayton Literary Peace Prize sent messages of support and condolence to Sharon Rab, the founder and board chair of the nonprofit that promotes non-violence through literature. Rab sent this newsletter earlier this month.
As we were trying to wrap our heads around this awful news, I started receiving emails with reactions from our DLPP authors. Reactions came in from throughout the country and internationally, Canada, England and France.
I sent the photo of the people gathered at the rally in the Oregon District. I wanted to reassure our friends that “Dayton is Strong” in its commitment to peace.
I share with you some of the heartfelt messages received. The authors’ words helped me; I hope they help you.
From Karima Bennoune, Oxford, England, 2014 Nonfiction Winner, “Your Fatwa Does Not Apply Here”
Just wanted to write from Oxford and say how much I was thinking of you and DLPP friends in light of the tragic news from Dayton. I hope no one you know was injured. Sending solidarity to all of you and your wonderful city. This kind of violence must be stopped.
Patricia Engel, 2017 Fiction Winner, “The Veins of the Ocean”
Sending our prayers and hope for healing for the people of Dayton in the days ahead. I hope your dear ones are safe and that we may look forward to living in safer and more peaceful times soon.
Andrew Krivak, 2012 Fiction Winner, “The Sojourn”
Such sad news this morning coming from Dayton, especially knowing what peace means to you and every Daytonian who calls the city home.
I just don’t know what to do or say, and yet wanted to write to send my love and prayers, knowing too how in this climate those words can sound more and more hollow each day. But words can bring peace and shape peace, reminding us that it’s possible, reminding us that we’ve seen and heard and lived by examples of it often in our lives. That’s what you all reminded me of in Dayton seven years ago, and every time I’ve been back since.
So, a gentle reminder from me now, while I’m sitting quietly with my grief and hope for a place and people I have come to love, because you all welcomed me and my words and said, “Be at home here.” If we keep working, writing, loving, and hoping, there will be peace. There will be. It’s the promise I first heard spoken out loud in Dayton.
Gilbert King, 2013 Nonfiction Runner-up, “Devil in the Grove”
So much madness, but it made me think of you and Dayton. I hope everyone you know is okay.
The photo is incredible, so proud of your city.
Annia Ciezadlo, 2012 Nonfiction Runner-up, “Day of Honey”
I just turned on my computer and heard about the shooting last night in Dayton. I am so very sorry.
This should not be happening anywhere — not in Dayton, not in Baghdad, not in Beirut, not in El Paso or Parkland or Nairobi or New Zealand or, or, or. But this one seems especially heartbreaking, I guess because thanks to you all at DLPP, I think of Dayton as a place where people gather to celebrate and honor peace.
I hope you’re both okay, or as okay as you can be under the circumstances. In Beirut and Baghdad, people always reach out after bombings and shootings and other “events.” It’s one of the small, good things we can learn from war zones. Don’t feel like you have to answer. I just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you all and hoping for peace.