DeKalb County united in peace as Buddhist monks journey through community on historic pilgrimage

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — On Dec. 30, DeKalb County was transformed into a place of reflection, reverence, and unity as Buddhist monks traveling on a historic peace pilgrimage journeyed through the county, drawing thousands of residents from all walks of life to witness and participate in a moment of collective calm and purpose.

The monks are on a months-long pilgrimage across the United States, traveling by foot from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C., with a mission centered on peace, compassion, forgiveness, and global unity. Their journey through Georgia marked a powerful chapter in that mission.

The monks entered DeKalb from Clayton County under escort by the DeKalb County Police Department, supported by a coordinated, multi-agency effort to ensure safety and order throughout the day.

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson met the monks at the county line, welcoming them into DeKalb and honoring the significance of their journey.

Their first stop in DeKalb was the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, where thousands of people gathered patiently and respectfully to see and hear from the monks.

Residents of all ages, backgrounds, faiths, and cultures stood together in solemn reflection. Members of the local Buddhist community brought traditional food offerings for the monks, joined by offerings provided by DeKalb County.

Throughout the day, DeKalb County officials expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming response from the community. Residents came not only to bear witness, but also to bring donations, offerings, and acts of service in honor of the monks’ sacrifice and message of peace

Buddhist Monks Journey Through Community

The collective generosity reflected a shared desire to support the pilgrimage and to hold space for unity, compassion, and reverence during a time when such moments are deeply needed.

Accompanied by their beloved dog, Aloka, the monks shared brief but deeply moving words focused on peace, forgiveness, and the responsibility each individual carries to choose compassion in a divided world.

The crowd stood quietly in reverence. Following their remarks, the monks offered peace bracelets to everyone in attendance, a gesture that many described as profoundly emotional.

“The presence of the monks reminded us that peace is not passive,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson during her remarks. “It is something we choose, practice, and protect together. I am deeply thankful to the thousands of residents who showed up with open hearts, generosity, and offerings, demonstrating that DeKalb County understands peace as both a value and a collective responsibility.”

After approximately two hours, the monks continued their journey down Candler Road toward the City of Decatur, where hundreds more residents, local elected officials, and community leaders gathered for a peace rally. Many attendees carried signs reading “DeKalb United in Peace,” reinforcing the shared spirit that defined the day.

Following the Decatur gathering, the monks proceeded to their overnight stop at Tobie Grant Recreation Center in the Scottdale community. There, hundreds of residents waited to greet them, offer prayers, and participate in evening chants. Once again, the monks distributed peace bracelets to attendees before turning in for the night.

Transforming Tobie Grant Recreation Center into suitable overnight accommodations required another extraordinary multi-agency collaboration.

DeKalb County’s Office of the CEO, Parks and Recreation, DeKalb County Police Department, DeKalb Fire Rescue, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, Facilities Management, and DCTV worked alongside community partners including Frontline Response, which assisted with overnight accommodations, and Hope Through Soap, which provided portable showers for the monks.

“This was one of the most peaceful and powerful experiences I’ve ever been part of,” said DeKalb County resident Angela Morris, who attended both the Porter Sanford gathering and the evening prayers. “In a world that feels heavy, this reminded me of what community and humanity are supposed to look like.”

Buddhist Monks Journey Through Community

Early this morning, DeKalb County Police escorted the monks to the county line, where Gwinnett County authorities assumed escort duties as the pilgrimage continued north toward Washington, D.C.

As DeKalb County closes out a year marked by progress, transformation, and renewed civic pride, the monks’ visit served as both a moment of reflection and a powerful prelude to the year ahead.

“This was exactly what DeKalb needed,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “A reminder that as we move forward, peace must remain at the center of how we lead, serve, and show up for one another.”

Photos via DeKalb County government.