Life After Hate

This conversation, featuring Arno Michaelis, founder of the organization Life After Hate, was originally published on May 24 of this year. We are publishing it again today in light of the tragic events that took place at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek on Sunday, August 5.

Michaelis’ story is a reminder that people have the capacity to change from a life of violent racism and hatred to a life dedicated to promoting peace, respect and acceptance. The words and audio below have not been modified from the original publication. You can also find Michaelis’ response to the shooting on the Life After Hate YouTube Channel, linked here. 

These days, Arno Michaelis is actively working against forces of racism and violence to promote peace, respect, and acceptance. Years ago, Michaelis was, as he put it, a “white power skinhead.”

Michaelis was a teenage alcoholic who became involved in white power groups at the age of 16 and became a founding member of the world’s largest white power group.

In 2010, he started an organization called Life After Hate, and wrote a book called My Life After Hate. The book, he says, “scrubs scabs off the festering wound of racism, then soothes with the essential wisdom of forgiveness and compassion.”

Arno and I talked about his violent, racist past, how becoming a parent helped turn his life around, and about his work today with Life After Hate and Kindness Not Weakness.

[audio:https://urbanmilwaukeedial.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/TCDPodcastMarkMetcalfArnoMichaelis.mp3|titles=Backstage with Mark Metcalf – Arno Michaelis, Life After Hate]

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