At a time when extremist violence continues to threaten communities, the Harvard Divinity School recently brought together experts—including former extremists—to discuss pathways out of hate and the critical role of intervention. The panel, featuring Parents for Peace Executive Director Myrieme Churchill, former extremists Chris Buckley and Mubin Shaikh, and Parents for Peace co-founder Melvin Bledsoe, provided a rare look at what it takes to combat radicalization and rebuild lives.
Moderated by Susan O. Hayward, associate director of the Religious Literacy and the Professions Initiative at HDS, the conversation highlighted personal experiences, the role of faith, and strategies for effective intervention.
Personal Stories: The Pain of Radicalization
The panel opened with powerful testimony from Melvin Bledsoe, whose son was radicalized online and later carried out a deadly attack at a U.S. Army recruitment center. His family’s devastation ultimately led him to co-found Parents for Peace, ensuring that other families facing similar struggles would not be left without support.
Former white supremacist Chris Buckley shared his journey of being recruited into the KKK after serving in the military, a path fueled by pain, anger, and addiction. His radicalization followed a familiar pattern: isolation, grievance, and exposure to extremist propaganda. His transformation, however, came through connections with people he once considered enemies—including a former white supremacist and a Muslim refugee—who ultimately helped him exit the movement.
The Role of Faith in Countering Extremism
While extremist ideologies often misuse religion to fuel hate, the panelists emphasized faith’s potential as a force for healing and intervention. Prison reform advocate Kristi M. Anderson described the power of faith-based mentorship in prisons, where positive spiritual influences can provide purpose and prevent radicalization.
Churchill underscored the need for divinity schools to engage with the realities of radicalization—not just as a theological issue, but as a practical one. She highlighted the dual role of religious leaders, noting that while some may contribute to radicalization, others play a crucial role in helping individuals disengage from hate.
Intervention: What Works?
A central takeaway from the panel was that de-radicalization is possible—but it requires the right approach. Buckley, now a Parents for Peace interventionist, stressed that lived experience plays a critical role in interventions. Former extremists are uniquely positioned to challenge the narratives that fuel hate and offer a roadmap for exit.
Shaikh, who once held extremist views before working undercover to combat terrorism, emphasized that interventions must be context-specific but always grounded in compassion and humanity. “At its core,” he said, “the most effective interventions recognize the inherent humanity of a person.”
A Call to Action
As communities continue to grapple with rising extremism, Parents for Peace remains committed to providing support, resources, and interventions for those caught in the cycle of hate. If you or someone you know is struggling with radicalization, our confidential helpline (1-844-49-PEACE) is here to help.
This panel reinforced a vital truth: no one is born into hate, and no one is beyond hope. With the right support, transformation is possible.
📞 Need support? Contact the Parents for Peace Helpline: 1-844-49-PEACE
