Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

FOWPAL’s President Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze Receives Annual AFFI Award

Dr. Hong Highlights the Power of Hope, Inspiring Individuals to Act with Conscience for Meaningful Global Change

The Arit Fuller Foundation, internationally renowned for its humanitarian and charitable efforts, held its 14th annual awards banquets on September 21, 2024, during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The event took place aboard the Timeless Luxurious Yacht, celebrating and honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public welfare and helping the disadvantaged.

The master of ceremony and convener of the 2024 AFFI Awards was Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike, president and founder of Caribbean and African Faith-Based Leadership Conference and liaison to the White House Faith-Based Cabinet Offices. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and leader of Tai Ji Men, was among the recipients of this prestigious award, in recognition of his long-standing efforts in promoting love and peace worldwide. Global Nation Leadership Award was presented to Justice Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, former President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago(2013 to 2018).

During the event, Dr. Hong presented the FOWPAL International Cultural Exchange Award to Ambassador Dr. Arit Fuller Harris, the Founder and President of AFFI. FOWPAL hosted a ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, inviting four distinguished leaders who have made significant contributions to global love and peace to ring the Bell, sending heartfelt wishes for peace to New York and the world. The event also featured a Tai Ji Men martial arts performance and an elegant dance by FOWPAL members dressed as angels, creating an atmosphere filled with love and tranquility.

The organizers stated that AFFI's mission is to promote the spirit of giving back to society through life-changing experiences. The event brought together leaders and stakeholders from the African community worldwide and other ethnic groups, providing a networking opportunity for service professionals from various industries. They highlighted Dr. Hong's role as a global influencer, philanthropist, humanitarian, and world peace advocate. U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke presented AFFI’s “Keys to the City of New York” to Dr. Hong in recognition of his outstanding contributions to humanitarian efforts, youth empowerment, and the promotion of love, peace, conscience, and hope across 109 countries.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze was invited to deliver a speech in which he highlighted the significance of being together on this shared journey, symbolizing the deep connections among the attendees and their common aspiration for love and peace. He emphasized that with love and the power of hope, each person can become a leader guided by their own conscience, bringing about meaningful change in the world. Dr. Hong expressed his belief that by uniting efforts, fulfilling wishes, and performing good deeds, people can benefit global citizens and fill the world with the energy of conscience and love.

Following his speech, Dr. Hong presided over the ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love. He rang the Bell and conveyed a message: "A balance between technological innovation and spirituality is essential. Accepting and loving each other while discerning right from wrong. Applying our conscience to help all beings, we strive for world peace, allowing all life to live in harmony." He then invited four distinguished guests—Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Pastor Dr. Francis A. M. Mambu; Rev. Dr. Leslie Mullings, founder and CEO of Challenge Preparatory Charter School; and Ambassador Prophet Dr. Kofi Danso, Senior Pastor and Prophet of Miracle Arena for All Nations—to ring the Bell and make their wishes for peace, becoming the 568th to 571st ringers of the Bell worldwide.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke rang the Bell of World Peace and Love and wished for "an end to armed conflict and violence and to child poverty."

Pastor Dr. Francis A. M. Mambu from Sierra Leone rang the Bell and expressed his wish: "I wish peace to every man, woman, and child, and to pray that the image and likeness of peace be formed in everyone so that we will live with immense dignity and love."

Ambassador Prophet Dr. Kofi Danso, Senior Pastor of the Miracle Arena for All Nations, rang the Bell and declared his desire "to share abroad the peace, unity, and love of God."

Rev. Dr. Leslie Mullings, founder and CEO of Challenge Preparatory Charter School, rang the Bell and wished "that there will be no wars, and that all children will be fed and in good health."

Dr. Hong presented the “Compass Clock of Conscience” to 10 distinguished guests, including Ambassador Yvonne E. Clarke, Queen Ahneva Ahneva, Dr. Rose Marie Adamson Lewis, Dr. Norman Ajiboye, Dr. Michael Thornton, Lady Angela Cooper, Rev. Dr. Ruth Ozuruonye, Dr. Tony C. Nora, Chinua W. Duke, and Dr. Arit Fuller Harris. The clock serves as a reminder for people to seize the moment, follow the right path, pursue meaningful goals, act with conscience, and perform good deeds to help guide the world toward a brighter future.

The event also featured a performance by FOWPAL members dressed as angels with white wings, singing the song “Children from Heaven.” The harmonious melody inspired the audience to reconnect with their pure and kind hearts, awakening the conscience within each person. They also performed “A Prayer for Peace,” encouraging everyone to practice daily self-reflection and think kind thoughts for the betterment of the world.

FOWPAL members energized the event with their uplifting dance performance, “Happiness Is Everywhere,” aiming to fill every attendee with positive energy and inspire them to help make the world a better place.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke expressed that it was a great honor to ring the Bell of World Peace and Love. Acknowledging the global challenges of conflict, violence, and inhumanity, she emphasized that when children are raised in healthy, nurturing, and loving environments, they grow up to accomplish great things. She expressed her deep gratitude for the privilege of being a bell ringer and shared her hope that everyone’s kind wishes will come true.

Ambassador Prophet Dr. Kofi Danso described the bell ringing ceremony as a remarkable event, unique in its proclamation of unity and peace. He was deeply impressed by Dr. Hong's long-standing commitment to promoting peace, noting how inspiring it is that Dr. Hong uses his words to encourage people to move forward in unity, love, and peace. Dr. Danso also referenced the Bible, which says that God grants people hope every day and night. He believes that hope is what this generation needs and expresses his wish that one day, all people will embrace peace, love, and unity.

Pastor Dr. Francis A. M. Mambu from Sierra Leone praised Dr. Hong's speech, calling it wonderful, and described Dr. Hong as an icon for global peace. He expressed hope that Dr. Hong will continue his efforts, encouraging the world to come together and work toward achieving lasting peace.