Media

Press Release:

Jes Richardson Launches

“Purple for Peace”

Movement to Unite Americans Through Nonviolence – One Purple Armband at a Time

Marin County, CA – Jes Richardson, longtime peace activist and community organizer, has launched a bold new initiative: “Purple for Peace.” Through this movement, Jes hands out purple armbands at rallies and demonstrations, inviting participants to pledge nonviolence and bridge divides between “Reds” and “Blues.”

Jes has dedicated decades of his life to activism and promoting social justice. From the 1970s, when he volunteered with the United Farm Workers and spent nights in jail for advocating boycotts, to creating the popular Blue Heron Inn in Duncan Mills in 1979, Jes has consistently used creativity, courage, and community engagement to inspire change.

Over the years, his activism has taken many forms:

1989: Arrested for blocking logging trucks in Oregon to protect Old Growth forests.
2003: Built a nine-foot-tall Gandhi puppet to support anti-war efforts of the Mill Valley Seniors for Peace, later taking it on a road trip to Washington, DC, to encourage voter engagement.
International Peace Missions: Traveled to Iran and Israel, and visited Gandhi’s birthplace and Sabarmati Ashram in India.
2015 – Present: Through the GandhiMobile, Jes has participated in rallies throughout Marin County, promoting nonviolent activism and civic engagement.

Now, with Purple for Peace, Jes seeks to create a unifying symbol: a purple armband representing shared commitment to nonviolence and civic responsibility. By wearing it, participants show their willingness to engage respectfully in political discourse and stand up for democracy.

“Out of deep concern for our future, I founded Purple for Peace, a nonviolent movement bringing Reds and Blues together. By wearing purple armbands, we show unity and a commitment to kindness, respect, and peaceful solutions,” says Jes.

“Purple represents the blending of red and blue. We’re at a critical moment in our democracy,” Jes adds. “If we can reach even a small fraction of the population committed to nonviolence, we can make a tangible difference.”

Jes invites individuals, community groups, and activists across the country to join the movement, pledge nonviolence, and participate in upcoming rallies. For more information, and to join the cause, visit GandhiMobile.org.