I can remember that day as if it were yesterday. It was my very first rally, life had me mentally and emotionally drained. My mind had been too preoccupied to get any sleep. I had anticipated that the 17-hour drive would leave me physically exhausted. Yet, when I woke up the next morning, I was bursting with adrenaline—excited, motivated, and ready to MOVE the MOVEMENT!
I put on my custom-made Abdul Haqq earrings, my black and white “Unchain My Brotha’s Movement” T-shirt, a pair of ripped jeans, and my all-white Air Force Ones. My best friend and I loaded up the SUV and headed to the F.O.E. Rally!
The air was fiercely hot, yet it buzzed with heartfelt energy. Each time we shouted the word “FREEDOM,” it felt like a refreshing breeze sweeping over me. In that moment, my mind, body, and spirit harmonized with my surroundings. I was immersed in a sea of like-minded people, all united by the common goals of justice and freedom.
I was feeling a bit nervous; I had been anticipating this day for two months. I was there to show my appreciation and commitment to all the women and men incarcerated in Virginia, as well as to the brothers and sisters locked up from the East Coast to the West Coast who supported and believed in me.
I stood present for everyone fighting for a second chance and truly deserving of it.
My heart resonated with the cries of mothers in this struggle, who gathered to support their incarcerated sons and daughters—mothers yearning for their children’s release and dreaming of seeing them again beyond the constraints of confinement.
I felt the strength of the brothers who had recently been released, standing in solidarity with those still trapped in the depths of prison. Many of these men spoke with voices filled with both joy and distress over oppression. They expressed joy for their newfound freedom, yet pain for those they had left behind, who continue to struggle and suffer.
I was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. My heart ached for those unjustly sentenced, yet as I looked around and saw the solidarity, my heart forced my face to smile. In that moment, I looked up in the sky and prayed for forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and FREEDOM for my sisters and brothers. Who I stood there to speak for.
My heart goes out to these individuals because I can truly relate to them. Not only do I sympathize with them, but I also empathize deeply, as I have faced that same struggle myself, and some of my loved ones continue to battle it. I understand firsthand the weight of making a single mistake that can forever alter your life and impact the lives of those who care about you.
I know what it feels like to carry the responsibility of a detrimental decision, regardless of the circumstances surrounding it, and how the justice system often uses that one choice to define who you are, and who they stereotype you to forever be.
In my personal opinion every individual deserves to be seen beyond their mistakes; and should not be defined by one bad choice or one wrong decision. What I struggle to understand is this: if different objects, species, and ideas can evolve, why can’t people? The anger and frustration that I feel for this unjust system runs deep, propelling my drive to advocate for change, justice, equality and freedom to run even deeper. Each day I strive to use my words to empowers my purpose and make a difference.
Before I wrap this up, I want to say Thank you F.O.E., for organizing this rally and inviting me to be part of something so beautiful, inspiring, and life changing. The results of your efforts were nothing short of amazing.
To all the organizations that joined us, thank you. A special thanks to Free the CEO of The 40 Strong for everything—the equipment you provided, your family’s support, and unwavering commitment. Thank you for your relentless effort in helping to bring it all together.
If you are reading this, I ask that you stand with us as we continue to fight for the freedom of those who deserve it.
Hear Her Voice stands by our word as we pledge to raise our voices for those who cannot speak for themselves, championing for justice and prison reform. Our goal is to inspire change and cultivate a world where people are given a second chance and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
It’s all too easy to go about our daily lives and forget those who are locked away; after all, like they say, “out of sight, out of mind.”
However, this does not apply to “Hear Her Voice.” Even though you may be behind metal bars, razor wire, and concrete walls, we have not forgotten you. Rest assured, we will continue to use our voices to fight for liberation and for those who are truly worthy to be FREE!
Hear Her Voice once again Screams “FREEDOMOVEREVERYTHING!”
