Adena M'lynn's Voice

I’m a citizen of the United States. Born and raised in Texas, where values like independence, grit, and hospitality were baked into the soil I grew up on. I loved my home state, but it too has turned into a hate filled state. I love the land, the people, the music, the food, and the ideals we  say  we stand for—liberty, justice, equality, and opportunity. But I find myself in a strange position these days. I wish the rest of the world well—perhaps more than ever. I hope other nations thrive where we’ve lost our footing. I hope they lead the way on education, healthcare, climate action, diplomacy, and human rights, especially where the United States has either faltered or walked away entirely. And no, that doesn’t make me less patriotic. In fact, I think it makes me more so. Because wanting good for others doesn’t take anything away from my love for this country—it simply means I’m no longer blind to the damage being done under the false red banner of “greatness.”  I step ...

Freedom is one of the most important values in our society. But what does freedom really mean? At its core, freedom is about having the ability to make our own choices and live our lives the way we want, without unfair restrictions. It means being able to speak our minds, practice our beliefs, and pursue our dreams.   In many countries, freedom is protected by laws and constitutions. The United States, for example, has the Bill of Rights that guarantees freedoms like speech, religion, and the press. But laws alone aren't enough – we all play a role in protecting freedom.   How can we safeguard our freedoms? 1. Stay informed about our rights and liberties 2. Speak up when we see freedoms being threatened 3. Vote and participate in democracy 4. Support a free press that can report the truth 5. Stand up for the rights of all people, not just ourselves While freedom is amazing, it comes with responsibilities. We need to listen to others, even if we disagree. Making snap judgments ...

by Adena M'lynn A few years ago I read an article and the subsequent discussions on Twitter about the hypothetical scenario of a world without men for 24 hours, my perspective was profoundly deepened after a personal and harrowing incident. A friend of mine became the victim of a violent attack by a gang of young men while she was simply walking to her car after a long day's work. This brutal encounter starkly highlighted the ongoing reality many women face, underscoring the discussions about safety, freedom, and the longing for a world where walking alone does not come with risks of violence. Returning to an article I read a few years ago, and the voices shared online, I find myself reflecting not just on a hypothetical question, but on the urgent need for societal change and the importance of fostering a safe environment for all.   In September 2020, a thought-provoking article from " Voices " captured the imaginations of thousands, sparking a viral conversation on ...