Warning: This is a rant.

Two weeks ago, I witnessed 30 high school students (also known as Freedom Fellows at the Chicago Freedom School) express their passion for social justice through performance – from hip hop, to dance, poetry to skits and personal mission statements. Anyone who was in the audience was instantly inspired and moved to do something, anything for the Cause. What is this capitalized “Cause”, you ask? If anyone has ever asked you “Are you down for the Cause?” they are asking you if you are willing to fight for freedom – freedom from racism, sexism, discrimination based on disability or sexual orientation. Freedom is one’s natural right not only to survive, but to live. That is the Cause. As I continue to rant, Sweet Honey in the Rock’s “Ella’s Song” is humming in the background, “We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.” Too many of us are resting. Which leads smoothly into my next point: what’s with luke-warm sentiments about issues today?

I once had a close friend who half-jokingly described himself as an “angry Black man” simply because he cared about issues and vocalized his concerns. He had a strong interest in disparities—particularly dealing with the incarceration rates of Black males and its effect on the Black family. I always admired his passion and personal investment in the issues; he was never afraid to look silly and often welcomed criticism. Sadly to say, his voice didn’t carry because it wasn’t accompanied by action. However, I will always respect him for having the courage to speak up in a world clumsily glued together by silence and complacency.

Generally speaking, we lack conviction. Maybe it is fear that makes us hold our tongues when facing injustice. Perhaps it isn’t socially acceptable to speak up when we witness imbalances. Or maybe we are comfortable and have all of our needs met, so why ruffle feathers and take that risk?

Why don’t we stand for anything anymore? Rugged individualism, a classic American value, is at the core of our current state. Unless it directly affects us, we don’t want anything to do with it; that is until an event of catastrophic proportions hits (i.e. September 11th, Hurricane Katrina).

I am pleased to see so many people excited about the upcoming Presidential election; however, I hope that this interest in change doesn’t vanish after November 4th. We have a lot of work to do before we can rest. I strive to be like those 15 and 16-year-old Freedom Fellows, using every day as an opportunity to make a distinct mark on society by speaking from the heart about the issues that concern me.

Reader, I leave you with this: speak with conviction, act with passion. Don’t be afraid that you won’t change the world, make an attempt. There is no such thing as failure when it comes to activism. Any step toward a solution is progress. Don’t concern yourself with what others think, stay poised and believe in the work that you are doing—especially in the midst of struggle. Live your life as if it is a hyperbole; make a strong impression, every action emphasizing the one before.

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Tyler Yarbrough

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