Walk for peace: Buddhist monks inspire hope and reflection in Tucker

On the last day of 2025, the highly-lauded Buddhist Walk for Peace quietly strolled through Tucker’s Hugh Howell Road, which dozens of residents have described as an inspiring sight to end the year.

For the last couple of days, Buddhist monks have traversed DeKalb County as part of their historic journey from Fort Worth, TX, to Washington, D.C. On their months-long pilgrimage, coined the Walk of Peace: 2,300 Miles of Hope, the monks intend to center on peace, forgiveness, and global unity. Thousands have witnessed and paid homage as they move from state to state and county to county, including DeKalb County. 

Residents of all ages, backgrounds, faiths, and cultures stood together in solemn reflection as the monks prayed and connected with the hundreds who gathered at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center. Members of the local Buddhist community brought traditional food offerings for the monks, joined by offerings provided by DeKalb County.

“This was one of the most peaceful and powerful experiences I’ve ever been part of,” Angela Morris, a DeKalb County resident who attended the Porter Sanford gathering, said. “In a world that feels heavy, this reminded me of what community and humanity are supposed to look like.”

The monks made touchpoints in the Scottdale community and Decatur before arriving in Tucker on Wednesday. The monks conducted evening prayers and distributed peace bracelets to those who supported them along their trek.

DeKalb County officials assisted the monks with overnight accommodations at Tobie Grant Recreation Center, with help from some of the county’s agencies, including DeKalb County’s Office of the CEO, Parks and Recreation, DeKalb County Police Department, DeKalb Fire Rescue, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, Facilities Management, and Frontline Response.

In Tucker, the monks brought a quiet sense of hope and peace as they walked through Hugh Howell Road Wednesday morning, said District 1 Councilwoman Virginia Rece. The experience of witnessing the Walk of Peace left Rece “profoundly inspired” and hopeful about how this walk will influence 2026 for Tucker and all the cities along its path.

“I took this moment to reflect on how these brave souls brought our community together, renewed our hope for possibilities of what 2026 can bring, and brought us out in droves for peace,” she told Rough Draft Atlanta. “ It’s moments like this that remind me there is always hope for a better tomorrow for all of us.”

The monks spent their New Year’s Day in Snellville and Walnut Grove, marking their 68th day on their journey. To keep up with the Walk of Peace, view the live Walk of Peace map here.

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