Dear Friends and colleagues:
July 4th, another holiday to celebrate and reflect upon in this most abnormal of times. July 4th is a celebration of freedom. But, to me, that feels awkward in 2020. I am reminded of Nelson Mandela’s struggles and ultimate victory for freedom. He said: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”. 2020 is such a time. Black lives matter; the pandemic; economic turmoil; political turmoil—all swirling around at once. So, as we celebrate our nation’s freedom, we must also survey our past and look to our future. We in the ILA, in my view, live Nelson Mandela’s words—to attempt at least—“to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”!
But in 2020, we must do more. We must push our communities to participate in the 2020 census. We must push our communities to engage fully in voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives. We must participate in the political process by fully embracing political action committees and funding. We must speak out when we see injustice of any sort. We must pursue freedom and democracy and not take it for granted. We must be respectful and mindful of our community, but ever vigilant for peace and justice to prevail. Take time this Holiday to reflect, relax and enjoy. Be safe. Stay healthy. Happy 4th of July, 2020.
Fraternally,
Alan A. Robb,
South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District President
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