The Bobby Mendes Peace Legacy is an ongoing tribute to Bobby Mendes and his younger brother Matthew, both of whom were murdered near their home in Dorchester. The program is directed by their mother Isaura Mendes. Isaura bases her work with children, families and survivors of violence on the Seven Principles of Peace: Unity, Justice, Forgiveness, Courage, Hope, Faith and Love. She calls the principles “more than words – they are a way to live.” She devotes herself to helping survivors of violence, encouraging children and young people to pursue education and build good lives, and working for peace and non-violence in the community. Because Matthew died from gun violence, working to get guns off the streets is a BMPL priority. Isaura has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences from Boston College and the Testament of Hope Award from Martin Luther King III in 2010.
