06/05/2020
I find myself deeply troubled by the crisis unfolding before us, and the crossroads we as a nation are facing today. As a first generation immigrant who came here because of the promise of freedom and equality that these great United States of America have always stood for, I see the dark path my country has been pushed towards and I can no longer turn a blind eye while the promise of the American Dream is being stolen from all of us in broad daylight by thugs masquerading as leaders.
I do not know exactly what form our fight for equality and freedom will ultimately take, but I would like to begin mine here, today, by simply stating that those of us who are educated, aware, and capable must pick up the torch and point it boldly, bravely and resolutely in the direction of meaningful change. We must do this as much for ourselves as for our children and grandchildren, without apology and without compromise.
A wise teacher once taught me that as human beings we all have the right to live with honor, dignity and respect, and no one should be able to take that away from us. At the same time, we all have a moral responsibility to treat others with the same honor, dignity and respect that we ask of them. With the eyes of the world upon us, as members of the greatest free society in the world, we must be willing to forge this path for others to follow, in order to ensure that equality will thrive and flourish for generations to come.
And so today, as we stand at the threshold of revolution, I hope our common humanity will allow us to continue to stand united in this time of crisis, so that we all may finally begin to live in harmony with one another as responsible stewards of this beautiful and bountiful piece of Earth we call America.
Stefania Arroyo
