Thank You Paul

Before I complete my time on staff at the Peace Center at the end of the month, I want to acknowledge someone who worked by my side for many years.

Paul Fleisher retired from the Peace Center a few months ago. Paul’s involvement in the Peace Center dates back to the 1980s.  At RPEC, among his contributions, he…

Coordinated the Peace Essay Contest, which gave thousands upon thousands of young people over the years the opportunity to write about topics related to peace–learning and growing in the process. 

Produced the Generation Dream youth arts production, rehearsing and assembling youth performers on stage for a powerful annual tribute to Dr. King.

Handled planning, registrations and logistics for the regional Youth Peace Summit for 14 years, reaching more than a thousand youth.

He also edited, proofread, supported the auction, recycled ink cartridges, made Costco runs, helped me with any and every task that needed to get done, gave his always-forthright and direct advice…and supported RPEC’s work in countless ways.

Paul also worked for justice in the community, for example actively supporting the reclaiming of Shockoe Bottom and leading efforts to increase racial diversity at the Maggie L Walker Governor’s School.

He had taught in Richmond Public Schools for more than 20 years, and I’ve lost count of how many community members have told me that he had taught them or their children…. 

Some of the young people he’s mentored shared with us these words to convey to Paul, about his impact on them personally:

• “You helped me believe my art was more important than just a form of entertainment…Through your always honest, never filtered, feedback, I was able to grow as an artist.”
• “I learned how to connect better with others and be more empathetic.”
• “You inspire me to keep improving the world no matter how much the world pushes back.”

This interview with Paul was published in the Richmond Times Dispatch in 2015.