A Celebration of Peacemakers 2026

On Sunday, May 3rd, we gathered at South Puget Sound Community College's Lacey Campus for A Celebration of Peacemakers. This event honored our volunteers, supporters, advocates, and community partners - all those whose efforts help create a more civil and peaceful community. 

Highlights of the afternoon included reflections on The Strength of Community by Parfait Bassalé  and presentation of the Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award to Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis and The Mosqueteers.

Established in honor of the DRC's Founding Executive Director, the Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in strengthening civil discourse, and promoting peaceful dispute resolution and civility in our community.

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Scroll down to view the photo gallery!

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Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis was honored with the 2026 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award.

Tribute to Justice Raquel Montoya-lewis:
Click here to Read

For more than twenty years, Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis has made
a difference in courtrooms across Washington, from tribal communities to the state’s highest court. In 2020 she became the first Native American to serve on Washington State’s Supreme Court and has opened doors for many who had never seen themselves represented.
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At the heart of Justice Montoya-Lewis’ work is a deep belief in peacemaking and real restoration. She has worked tirelessly to advocate for a justice system that is accessible and truly listens, learns, and heals - encouraging people to listen to one another, find shared understanding, and see what can happen when compassion and courage guide us forward.

The Mosqueteers were honored with the 2026 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award.

Tribute to The Mozqueteers: CLick here to Read

This small interfaith group - affectionately known as the “Mosqueteers” - has stood a quiet but extraordinary vigil outside the Islamic Center of Olympia every Friday during congregational prayers. Their presence over the past eight years has been a steadfast act of solidarity, courage, and moral clarity in a time when the local Muslim community has faced repeated incidents of hate and intimidation.

Rooted in a deep sense of humanity, these volunteers have transformed fear into trust, isolation into connection, and vulnerability into resilience. Their actions demonstrate that safety is not only the responsibility of institutions - it can also be the gift of neighbors who choose to stand with one another.

Parfait Bassalé 
Keynote Speaker

Read More about Parfait

A belonging strategist, author and singer-songwriter, Parfait helps people and organizations reimagine the Other through the power of friendship, story, and song. Born in West Africa, shaped by a life between nations, and fueled by his Christian faith, his work weaves together leadership development, belonging frameworks, conflict transformation, and the healing power of music.

Parfait holds a Masters in Conflict Resolution from Portland State University and served as Executive Diversity Officer at South Puget Sound Community College. Whether he is consulting with public agencies, writing about systemic befriending, or performing a song that carries the ache of injustice and the hope of repair - it all flows from the same calling: to be a bridge.

Click here to read Parfait's speech

To watch and listen to Parfait's speech - click here

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Photo Gallery of the Peacemaker Event

Thank you to all who attended this much-anticipated annual community event. It takes a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community partners to make this event not only possible, but to help it flourish.