"I'm changing the things I can no longer accept." ~Angela Davis
What does the 4th of July mean to you?
I want to share this excerpt from our constitution for your consideration:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
Seattle is transforming into the cradle of the next civil rights movement. How will you contribute?
The news is overwhelming. We must go inward to find a peaceful and grounded space from which to take action. Start your day with yoga. Meditate. Spend time in nature and with your loved ones so you can fill your own cup, but please don't look away from the terror in the news. We can no longer turn a blind eye towards the violence and injustice all around us. Go inward, day after day, discover what needs to change and decide on an action step to bring that change to life.
I hope you will celebrate your own power to change the things you can no longer accept.
I invite you to take a few moments to watch the short film below shared today on NPR.
with love, care and action,
Sarah
The U.S. celebrates this Independence Day amid nationwide protests and calls for systemic reforms. In this short film, five young descendants of Frederick Douglass read and respond to excerpts of his famous speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" which asks all of us to consider America's long history of denying equal rights to Black Americans.
FEATURING (alphabetically)
Douglass Washington Morris II, 20 (he/him)
Isidore Dharma Douglass Skinner, 15 (they/their)
Zoë Douglass Skinner, 12 (she/her)
Alexa Anne Watson, 19 (she/her)
Haley Rose Watson, 17 (she/her)
You can read the full text of “What To The Slave Is The Fourth of July?”
