Peace Pilgrim

Peace Pilgrim, born Mildred Lisette Norman on July 18, 1908, was a remarkable American spiritual teacher and peace activist. Her journey towards promoting peace began in earnest when she adopted the name 'Peace Pilgrim' on January 1, 1953, in Pasadena, California. Over the next twenty-eight years, she traversed the United States, sharing her message of peace and compassion with countless individuals.

In 1952, she made history as the first woman to walk the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in a single season. This achievement was just the beginning of her lifelong commitment to advocating for peace. By the time she ceased counting her miles in 1964, she had walked more than twenty-five thousand miles, dedicating her life to the cause of non-violence and understanding.

Peace Pilgrim's influence extended beyond her walks; she engaged in meaningful conversations about inner peace, as evidenced by a transcript of a 1964 KPFK radio broadcast titled 'Steps Toward Inner Peace.' Her dedication to her mission was unwavering, and she was on her seventh cross-country journey when she passed away on July 7, 1981.