“You are moving in the direction of freedom, and the function of freedom is to free somebody else.” — Toni Morrison (commencement speech, Barnard College, 1979)
I was a Black Caribbean kid living far out in the New York City borough of Queens during the US vs. Soviet Union space race. Among all the things I loved at the time, I loved all things space—from astronomy magazines and telescopes to sci-fi shows. I watched every single televised rocket launch, heart in mouth and tear in eye.
This was an innocent love that had nothing to do with struggles for dominance between competing political/economic systems. I was in awe of the gorgeousness and power of the known cosmos, intrigued by the unknown, and fascinated with the capacity for human achievement. (This all still holds true, by the way.) My Catholic elementary school had much invested in the fervent anti-Communism of the time and conveyed as much in overt ways and in the subtle ways I recognize now.
The takeaway that stuck with me most was this notion of freedom—the big deal of the American advantage.
Freedom!
Repeatedly, church and school and popular culture reminded us of the privilege of living in this special, God-blessed nation in which you can be free. Yes, even you, little Black Caribbean girl.
Never mind, a whole-ass movement for civil rights still had to be raised up to adjust for the humanity of Black people. Never mind the bloody history of Europeans seizing control of this land and its abundance from Indigenous people who had loved and cared for it well. Never mind the stretch of rocky road ahead for women and girls, for queer people, for immigrants and how the marginalized are still walking those roads and pulling slivers of rock from our feet.
You get my point.
When I was young, the United States of America was lauded as the shining city on a hill, light of the world. And he (italics deliberate) who led this nation came to be understood as Leader of the Free World.
Freedom!
We said we cherished it. At least, our particular concept of it. We’d preach our version of it and export it where we could. We talked a good freedom game but had a funny way of partnering with foreign tyrants who had no love of freedom whatsoever but served US interests at home and abroad. (This all still holds true, by the way.)
Today, I listened to a Substack podcast conversation that featured Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, professor, activist, and fellow Virgo. In just a few words—You are what you can help others become—this authentic follower of Jesus laid out what we’re often missing here in this Land of the Free. And I immediately thought back to one of my Toni Morrison obsessions from her 1979 commencement address to Barnard’s graduating students—The function of freedom is to free somebody else.
You are what you can help others become and Free somebody else are directives we need to be taught from early on, because this would make a true difference in every life, every community, and every society. It would rock this nation, especially now that outright, vulgar selfishness is the standard we’re being made to salute like we salute the American flag.
I’m asking you, today, to commit to a new meditation practice, to meditate on these two thoughts gifted to us by outstanding Black leaders—one, a revered and beloved ancestor, and one still showing up in full clerical garb at the Capitol Rotunda to shame the devil.
Take these two directives into your daily practice. And it is never too late to introduce the kids in your care to this way of looking at one’s place in the world, one’s privilege, and one’s responsibility.
*****
Questions for you:
Explore this idea of freedom in all aspects of living—big or intimate, personal or communal, from close relationships to professional work, from creative artistry to civic engagement. Looking back at your life, who or what has been a force for your true freedom? Who have you helped free--and how? In what ways might you take whatever you are and whatever you have and become a force for the freedom of others?
*****
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I just finished a session with my (intersectional) therapist where we were talking about making a more expansive self-care and meditation space as a form of resistance and these two thoughts tie right in with that. Thank you.
I just finished a session with my (intersectional) therapist where we were talking about making a more expansive self-care and meditation space as a form of resistance and these two thoughts tie right in with that. Thank you.
Love these two sayings on freedom - thank you for sharing