Perkins:
Turning Hate into Hope

John Perkins talks about his life and legacy. Deeply affected by the shooting of his brother by a white marshal, later John himself is beaten almost to the point of death by those in the justice system.

John: "I say all the time, the saddest people that I know [are] people who [are] not able to forgive. The people who I meet in mental institutions, the people I meet in divorce courts … and so forgiveness frees me."

Story synopsis

John Perkins grew up in rural Mississippi in the 30's, raised by his grandmother. Here is an elder, widely respected and renowned minister who has had to deal with more than the usual number of deaths in his lifetime, and his own near-death from a beating in the struggle for civil rights. John Perkins' story is an incredible story of survival and reilience. He offers the world coping skills and reilience.

John has made a lifetime of launching community development projects that focus on people helping themselves. In his latest project, John's work has come full circle, working with a local sheriff to help offenders get established on the outside. He reflects on his legacy, and how, ironically, the death of his own son, Spencer, has prepared him for the final journey.

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