Introducing our newest Nonviolent City—Nonviolent Opelika, Alabama! 

The Nonviolent Cities Project is a nationwide effort to transform the culture of violence in our communities to one rooted in nonviolence. Dozens of groups in cities across the United States are working to train local people in nonviolence, replace abusive systems, divest funds from weapons and fossil fuels, end gun violence, and much more. We are happy to welcome our newest Nonviolent City in Opelika, Alabama.

Organized by Pastor Carolyn Morton, Nonviolent Opelika builds on long-standing work in the areas of Samford, Auburn, and Opelika. They strive to end gun violence, teach Kingian nonviolence, and alleviate poverty. A weekly group meets to study nonviolent action and philosophy. They organize frequent marches and rallies against gun violence, and hold vigils for those who have been killed. They also do direct outreach with youth and the broader communities to try to stop the violence.

Pastor Carolyn Morton works closely with the local city councils and mayors’ offices. She has gained a proclamation for peace for September 21, 2021, the International Day of Peace, and also another proclamation earlier this year on Father’s Day to honor her father’s efforts to end  gun violence. Working with local chapters of Moms Demand Action, they have also passed multiple proclamations for Gun Violence Survivors. In addition, their March For Peace in August was written up in the local paper. They also designed a number of tee-shirts that promote nonviolence that are worn throughout the community.

Recognizing that poverty and hunger are forms of violence, Pastor Carolyn Morton’s church also coordinates an outreach ministry that delivers food and relief to local children and families. They have been doing this for 12 years. In addition to local work, they are also connected with nationwide and international groups such as Nonviolent Peaceforce, Nonviolence International, Moms Demand Action, and now, Pace e Bene’s Nonviolent Cities Project. 

We are proud to welcome this incredible group to the Nonviolent Cities Project. They set an example for everyone in how to organize with relentless persistence toward a culture of nonviolence. They grapple with a serious threat of violence in their community with an indomitable conviction that change is possible. Welcome, Nonviolent Opelika!