Category Archives: sonnets

Albert Schweitzer was born in Alsace, then-Germany, And studied theology, music, medicine and philosophy. He decided to dedicate his life to humanitarian work When he learned of Congo mission needs. He struck Out for Africa, with his nurse and wife, Hélène. It was there he built a hospital and practice, Lambaréné. There, patients by theContinue reading “1952 – Albert Schweitzer“

Joyaux, born in 1879, lived Until three years after his Peace Prize was given. His life spanned a half-century of pro-labor efforts. He was prolific on what helped bring Peace . . . and what hurt it. He had fought against War, what was it good for? He had stood for workers’ rights that madeContinue reading “1951 – Leon Jouhaux – 2”

Leon Jouhaux received the Prize in ‘51 For his leadership in global labor rights: he pushed forward! He believed that “lasting peace” could only come By bringing up living standards, with labor at the fore. His father worked at a match factory and was often sick, Eventually blind. Young Leon at 12 worked there too,Continue reading “1951 – Leon Jouhaux”

Ralph Johnson Bunche was born in Detroit, black. His family moved to L.A., while racial attacks Were common. His talents developed despite his origin. Then he graduated from UCLA, valedictorian. He taught politics and took a Ph.D. in colonialism. At first, he thought racism would end through cooperation, Realizing later that blacks must fight forContinue reading “1950 – Ralph Johnson Bunche”

John Boyd Orr, born on a farm in Scotland, Pursued medicine, medical research, and human nutrition. His research on diet and policy awoke many in Britain And the U.S., where he pressed for world food plan cooperation – At a level designed to meet the world’s poor’s needs, While the post-war food crisis was strippingContinue reading “1949 – John Boyd Orr”

Ghandi insisted on going to England to study – Despite family and local pressures in India to stay. As a barrister, he travelled to Africa to help to fight For Indians laboring there, indentured, injustice Engrained in their work lives.  He exercised there his rights To equal treatment – on trains, in hotels – anContinue reading “1948 – (Mahatma Ghandi) – 2”

No prize was awarded in 1948 . . . But support for Mahatma Ghandi as winner was great. Killed then for his determined history of nonviolent resistance, He achieved remarkable feats in his political ascendance. He became the century’s strongest symbol of non-violence For the strength of his piety, leadership and benevolence. His own ethicalContinue reading “1948 – (Mahatma Ghandi) – 1”

The Prize this year went not to Ghandi but the Quakers – Delivered to the English and American Friends Service. They rejected weapons and war as conscientious objectors, Replacing aggression with service – “from the nameless to the nameless.” The Quakers arose from resistance to codes of the Anglican Church. They emigrated and grew, bothContinue reading “1947 – The Quakers”

The Committee referred in their remarks to her statement, “International unity is not in itself a solution. Unless this . . . has a moral quality, accepts the discipline Of moral standards and possesses the quality of humanity, It will not be the unity we are interested in.” They said, “She has taught us more:Continue reading “1946 – Emily Greene Balch – 2”

Emily Green Balch shared the Prize – unwelcome by some – But not the limelight and congratulations heaped on Mott. Her work with the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Secured her support through a successful campaign. She got Nominated by universities across the U.S. and Europe. She had studied sociology and social workContinue reading “1946 – Emily Greene Balch”