Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Freedom

Freedom Summer conference, Protest against police brutality & protest against George Will & his offensive & obnoxious comments regarding women and rape. 3 different moments connected by one common denominator, the freedom I felt and experienced. 

Being at the Freedom Summer conference was invigorating! To reflect on the lives and experiences of those who came to Oxford, Ohio in the summer of 1964 to train to register voters and hear about how we've moved forward since then was inspiring. The theme of the conference was "Celebrating Freedom: Understanding the Past, Building the Future" and I couldn't help but wonder who freedom we were celebrating? Being in spaces with people who cared about the same things I did was freeing. I felt free, even if it was only temporary.

I participated in my first protest and march last Wednesday. Black Women Empowered (BWE) organized a protest for the National Day of Protest Against Police Brutality, Repression, and the Criminalization of a generation.  They encouraged those who wanted to participate to wear black all day and then walk out of wherever you were at 12pm noon to gather and march together. I was encouraged to see students, faculty and other staff members come together to stand together.  We went around campus, chanting, and being in solidarity with others for something that matters and impacts me personally was amazing. I felt powerful and free! 

Just because we have the right to free speech doesn't mean what we say is always good. That's how I feel about George Will speaking at Miami. That is why I was one of over 1000 students, faculty and staff who signed an open letter opposing the university's decision to have him speak on campus. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/21/miami-university-george-will_n_6017292.html Standing alongside other staff, faulty and students to protest his speech was powerful. A small group of people can make a difference and we did. Although his speech still happened, there was a clear message that not everyone in the Miami community agreed with it. I left the protest feeling hopeful.

Who is really free? I have pondered this question for a long time and have concluded that we don't all have the same freedom. We're suppose to live in the land of the free & home of the brave. But who is free? Who gets the privilege of calling this place home?

As a black woman I find that I don't have the same freedom as those around me. The freedom to live a life where every action of mine isn't scrutinized or perpetuates some negative stereotype about black people or women. The freedom to live a life by my own terms in my own way. True Freedom. 
  • True Freedom looks like being passionate about an issue, voicing that opinion and not being seen as the angry black woman.
  • True Freedom looks like walking to my car after my 8:40pm class and not being afraid and looking over my shoulder to see if I'm being followed.
  • True Freedom looks like my voice being taken seriously in front of any audience.
  • True Freedom means having a seat at the table because my voice matters not to fill a quota or give the illusion of diversity.
  • True Freedom looks like wearing my natural hair out in a fro without receiving funny looks or comments about it not being professional. 
True Freedom. Who really has it? Are you willing to fight so that all do? I know I am. Who will join me?


2 comments:

  1. I liked reading about the ways you have found to be an activist on a college campus (and not just someone who talks about activism). As a higher ed professional it's sometimes hard to know how/when to get involved. Great examples. Also enjoyed your reflections on freedom and how it relates to identity and privilege. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks for reading! I agree it is hard to get involved and be an activist on a college campus as a professional. I'm not perfect but try to take advantage of opportunities as they come up! I've learned that small steps do make a difference!

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