Mission: 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.

Tariq Khamisa Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1996, and donations are tax-deductible.