Wednesday, June 08, 2005
What is Freedom Worth?
We often hear the phrase "freedom isn't free," but what is freedom worth? What is freedom worth to you?Every election, Black people across the country wonder if promises made in the heat of the campaign will bear any fruit.
Every election, Black people across the country accept the notion that they have no power in the political system.
Every election, Black people across the country do the ritual dance with the Democratic Party- and every election Black people across the country feel as though they have been taken for granted.
You can change all of that- if you believe it's worth it.
What is it worth to you, to know that your elected officials listen to you not only because they might want to- but because they have to?
What is it worth to you to know that you have power and influence over the decisions made that effect your everyday life?
What is it worth to you to enjoy the fruits of liberty and democracy- freedom- as promised by your own country?
I've given no more than $30 to African Americans for Democracy so far. In the grand scheme of political contributions, it's a drop in the bucket. But this is our bucket. To advance our communities. For the future of our families and our children.
As a young Black man recently graduated from college, my personal budget isn't very large. But the budget of my desire for freedom and independence is limitless. What I can't give in dollars I try to give in other ways- time, support, encouragement. Every single drop fills the bucket a little more, and a little more, and a little more.
I believe that each drop will bring all of us closer to the day when public schools build the self-esteem of young Black boys and girls- instead of extinguishing it.
I believe that each drop will bring all of us closer to the day when young Black men feel threatened only by law breakers- and not by law enforcement.
I believe that each and every drop will bring all of us closer to the day when Black people all across the nation know in their hearts that they are free and equal citizens of the United States of America.
Will you give a drop for your freedom? Is it worth it to you?
Talib
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It's worth $100 for starters, whatever it takes ultimately.