In January 1995, Tariq Khamisa, a 20-year-old SDSU student, was killed by Tony Hicks, a 14-year-old gang member. Tony was tried as an adult and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Tariq’s father, Azim Khamisa, felt this tragedy created “victims on both ends of the gun.” Azim reached out to Tony’s grandfather, Ples Felix, in an act of extraordinary grace and forgiveness. The two came together in the spirit of healing to end youth violence. This collaboration founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) in October 1995. TKF has developed into a credible and innovative nonprofit with the mission to educate and inspire children in the restorative principles of accountability, compassion, forgiveness, peacemaking in support for safer schools and communities. Over 23 years, our services have connected with over 500,000 youth in communities across San Diego County and impact over 12,000 children annually. TKF provides school-based programs that inspire youth toward improved social/emotional health, sound decision-making, collaboration and peaceful conflict resolution. High incidents of behavioral problems at schools impact each child's learning and ability to focus, and eventually, it negatively affects the campus culture. We believe violence is a learned behavior that can be transformed. Our services are researched and recommended by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education as effective strategies for creating safer schools. Since founding, TKF has devoted all of its organizational development to improving outcomes for San Diego youth and now beyond California. Our mission is to educate and inspire children in the restorative principles of accountability, compassion, forgiveness, peacemaking and support for safer schools and communities. Through proven-effective education, mentorship and restorative practice programs, we consistently demonstrate positive outcomes around improved behaviors and attitudes, increased educational opportunities and school safety.
