Salal Dove: In Progress

Salal w Fists

Salal w Fists

When I think about People's Uprisings, I always see hands. Hands raised in solidarity. Hands raised in defiance. These hands defy those that would oppress them. They say "Yes! I am alive and you cannot hold me down!" But it can be difficult to raise our hands. We need to find our voice - find our power - and unlock it. For some, they have never had a voice and don't even know where to begin. We must move through many layers of fear, of doubt and uncertainty. We need our friends to stand with us. The power of these movements is not so much in the individual as it is in the collective force of the masses coming together for a common goal.

Recently when I was observing from afar the uprisings in the Middle East and Northern Africa, I was so inspired. And yet I didn't feel it would be possible to have such a movement here in the United States, where the individual is valued above all and free will is such a cherished commodity. You can imagine my surprise and my pride at seeing the people of Wisconsin stand up for their labor rights, protesting and doing everything they can to have their collective voices heard. It is an amazing feat they are undertaking and people from across the country have been standing with them, demanding their rights be upheld.

Hands from across the world are raised, fighting peacefully for basic human rights. I stand with hands held high, in solidarity with my brothers and sisters.

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Oak Leaf Dove: In Progress