Mexico: Thompson Delivers Speech on Non Violence at the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates

At the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Monterrey, Mexico, Nicholas Marcus Thompson delivered a speech on the practice of non violence and its role in building just and peaceful societies. Drawing on the broader work of the World House Project, he offered a high level reflection on how non violence operates across direct, cultural, and structural dimensions.

At the heart of his message, Nicholas reminded the audience that

We do not inherit justice. We build it, brick by brick, so the next generation never has to start from the bottom again.

He spoke about this principle through the lens of the Black Class Action, where the pursuit of justice for Black workers has required persistence, clarity, and a commitment to change grounded in non violence.

Nicholas described direct non violence as the courage to confront harm without losing one’s own sense of humanity. He emphasized cultural non violence as the work of shaping values and narratives that recognize the dignity of Black workers. He then explained structural non violence as the effort to create institutions that are fair and accountable, so that peace is supported by systems that treat people justly.

By linking these principles to the Black Class Action, Nicholas showed how non violence provides both a moral foundation and a practical guide for transforming workplaces and public institutions. His message encouraged participants to consider how the pursuit of justice in their own communities can be strengthened by the discipline and vision of non violent action.

His speech left many in the room reflecting on the simple but powerful truth that lasting peace depends on the everyday work of building systems where dignity can stand.