About Me

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Alpha Diallo is a graduate from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, and a human rights lawyer based in Chicago. He travels around the world to advocate human rights values because he believes that respect for human rights can make the World a better place. He pictures the World as a village and countries as neighbors, and they should coexist in peace, since there is only one race, the human race, and one religion, love. When he does not travel, he sits Under the Human Rights Tree (UTHRT) to write and share human rights stories with the World so he can open a new gate of legal knowledge to a new audience.

Friday, December 31, 2021

UTHRT: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022!

 Dear Friends, 

Happy New Year 2022!

A year is gone; another year is here. 2021 has been a great year. I learned a great deal, traveled, and grew.

As the year 2020 came to an end, I witnessed U.S. Election Officials announce the arrival of a new tenant in the White House. The Founding Fathers of the United States of America wanted it this way. A presidential election every four years, so no citizen in power could lose his mind and self-impose himself as another King George III, whom they defeated in 1783 after the Revolutionary War.

Yet, on January 6, 2021, a part of the U.S. population was unhappy with the outcome. They felt some of the 2020 Election Officials stole the election from them. So, they used a right guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and rendered a visit to their representatives at the Capitol. They wanted to make sure their voices were heard. As they marched to the people's house, a no trespassing sign waited for them. Still, they uprooted it and threw it away. They forced their way into the house looking for their representatives.

Sadly, their representatives went into hiding. None of them were willing to talk to the crowd and calm them down. Some have been in the house far too long that power has deafened them. They seem out of touch. They do not even hear their constituents' concerns. They believe the people's house is their home as long as they can afford a donation to buy a seat at the table.

But, despite the status quo of politics in this country, I believe that politics is a battle of ideas. Sometimes we win; sometimes we lose. And the courageous thing to do when we lose is to concede defeat, regroup, and wait for the next elections. Yet, as I learned, one of the most challenging things for humans is to accept the reality that life presents to them. 

Also, I witnessed the invisible enemy that arrived in the country with a tourist visa decided to change its status and become a permanent resident. Despite the vaccine, the disease morphed from Covid-19 to Delta Variant, and now Omicron causing 824,000 deaths in the U.S. The country remains divided between states with mask mandates and vaccine passports and others without such requirements. Both believe they are right when it comes to dealing with the disease. Still, I realized in life, we face many battles, and it is essential to prioritize our battles as we cannot win them all. For now, I adapt to the new life with COVID-19 and hope for the best. 

At the southern border, the border wall builders' contract ended. It was the area of humanitarian border gurus. They promoted the notion of restoring the soul of America and implementing human border policies. People heard their callings. They came by thousands then by millions to seek a better life in America. The border gurus accommodated their rights to seek asylum. Yet, when the Haitians came, they almost had a heart attack. Then they concluded it was too much their kindness could handle. I left the matter to Thomas Sowell, who said, "When people get used to preferential treatment, equal treatment seems like discrimination."  

Finally, in a country that champions free speech, I witnessed a wave of a culture of intolerance in public debates and cancel culture. As citizens shared their opinions, they were branded as "racists" or "sellouts, "Saints," or "Evils." The callers for justice often urged that these citizens be fired from their jobs because they dared to express their views. So, they could watch them die in the name of fairness.

Moreover, despite the end of the election, I witnessed a witch-hunt going on, and nobody seemed to care. Yet, as I knew, witches do not exist. They are the creation of movies, fictional books, and in the mind of accusers. So, let us stand against witch-hunting, as our political opponents are not our enemies, but citizens of the same nation who happen to have a different point of view.

Therefore, I continue to champion free speech and freedom of expression and oppose the cancellation culture. I cannot state nor believe that one side has the monopoly of the truth. The universe gives me two ears to hear both sides and make up my mind. As a result, I agree with Wole Soyinka who said, "The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism."

This year, my travels took me to five states in the U.S.: Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. On October 1, 2021, I arrived in Nashville to dance to the rhythm of country music. Then, I went underground to the Ruby Falls to see a waterfall. Further, I found Atlanta sitting under clouds of beautiful weather. I climbed to the Stone Rock Mountain and learned that not all artists are angels. I pursued my journey to St Augustine, Savannah, and Charleston, and I loved the architecture and food. Along the way, I stayed in small towns, islands, hung out on beaches, and camped at the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. At the end of the journey, I felt more in love with this country. So, I promised myself to meet America and set foot in every state if my health and wealth permit it. I realize it would be a pity to let a T.V. anchor or Social Media's posts define the country for me. Thus, it would be my duty to emulate the Founding Fathers' ambitions and cement my citizenship.

I grew in 2021 by pursuing my journey to seek beauty and truth and share them Under the Human Rights Tree www.underthehumanrightstree.org- The journey makes me wiser as I learn from my studies, meetings, and mistakes. Today, I understand better the meaning of Louis Armstrong’s song "What a Wonderful World" than I used to.

The year 2021 ended with its moments of joys and sorrows, C'est la vie. The year 2022 is here. We must embrace it with hope and courage and turn the old pages into new ones. Then, we write our best wishes with the wisdom that life does not promise us a smooth ride into the year. But we will still have valuable experiences and learn from them. Again, I wish you and your loved ones Happy New Year 2022!

Sincerely,

Alpha



Sunday, October 31, 2021

UTHRT: ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS- A DAY AT THE SACRED FOREST OF MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK.

 UTHRT: A DAY AT THE SACRED FOREST OF MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK.

On Sunday, May 2, 2021, the US highways were wide, well built, and accessible. They spread their arms in different directions around the country. They reached our cities, suburbs, small towns, and national parks through their hands, fingers, and fingertips. They also allowed us to exchange goods and services, and helped weaken our prejudices. Today, they are the expression of American freedoms- among them, the right to travel.

That day I decided to escape the babel of Chicago and meet Mother Nature at the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hills State Park. As I have learned, each day is a blank canvas given to us by the universe. It permits us to find a pencil, crayons, and draw a masterpiece to our likings. Yet, we can contemplate the blank canvas and do nothing, or we can let others draw what they think is suitable for us. Early on in life, I decided to be the painter of my own days. 

In Africa, our ancestors adopted a healthy relationship with Mother Nature. They created a space in each village where killing animals, cutting trees, or polluting the waters was forbidden. They called those spaces the Sacred Forests. Today, governments worldwide emulate the wisdom of our ancestors by adopting the concept of Sacred Forests and calling them National Parks. For example, In the United States, National Parks are areas set aside by the federal government to preserve the natural environment. 

Moraine Hills State Park is an Illinois State Park, which is located three miles south of the city of McHenry in McHenry County, Illinois. It stands on 2,200 acres of wetlands and lakes and has more than ten miles of trails. There is Lake Defiance and there is the Fox River. In the park, you can see a habitat of diverse wildlife. The vegetation often reflects the season, and the season on the day of my visit was spring.

I arrived at the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hills State Park around 10:00 am. I left my cell phone and my previous and present-day worries in the car. I inhaled and exhaled three times. Then I started my walk on a winding white gravel trail. On both sides of the path, there were carpets of green grass and yellow flowers interspersed among them.

On both sides, there were also diverse species of trees of different sizes that stood along the way, inviting and welcoming walker’s hugs. I took the time to hug the tallest and widest one. I smelled its perfume and felt the beat of my heart against its trunk, and I knew the tree was alive. 

As I continued my walk, I heard the echo of my feet touching the ground. I listened to the sound of the wind caressing the leaves, birds, and hidden animals. The air I inhaled was fresh with healing power, and when it touched my skin, it had a moisturizing effect. I looked around me, and I saw the presence of Mother Nature everywhere.

On the way, I met people walking or on their bikes, and I shared smile with them when our eyes and our hearts met. We continued on our ways with the understanding that we shared something in common-a love for nature. Other people looked down on the ground when our path crossed, and they darted away. I looked at them with compassion, yet I wished not to meet again. The energy that results from fear has a suffocating effect on me, which I try to avoid. 

I also met animals such as white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbit, and opossums. The dogs were often friendly and wanted to play with me. I took the opportunity to pet them. I inquired about their names and breeds, and I complimented them. Owners took the time to share their dogs’ stories as they recognized my willingness to listen and my genuine love for dogs. Other owners chose to restrain their dogs, and I understood that. I contempt to wave at their dogs if they refrained from barking at me. 

Besides the dogs, I saw birds such as sandhill cranes, great blue herons and green herons, wood ducks, Canada geese standing in grass or swimming in waters. I observed them from afar so as not to infringe on their space and scare them. As I learned, animals deserve a right to privacy just like humans.

The trail at the Moraine Hills State Park is mostly flat reflecting the landscape of the Midwest. Yet it is interrupted in some areas by small hills that test your endurance. For that reason, the park authorities have built benches where you can sit, rest and admire more of the park's beauty. 

They also built a wood T-shape trail on top of Lake Defiance with two high benches on both sides of the T. As you sit on the benches, you can detect a swinging motion caused by the lake's waves. It gives you the impression of sitting in a small boat and floating on waters. 

As you sit on the benches. You can also observe the waves emanating from the middle of the lake, traveling with sparking reflection of the sun, and ending up under the wooden T-shaped platform. The scenery and the spectacle of light are indeed beautiful if you are fortunate enough to see them.

After sitting and looking at Lake Defiance for a while, I continued my walk, not knowing what was ahead of me. Yet, I had faith that I would make it to the end. I kept my head high. Above me, the sky was blue, the clouds were white, and the sun was bright.

Around 2:00 pm, I reached the end of the trail. I found a quiet picnic area. I unfolded my chair, sat, and drank water to quench my thirst. Then I laid on the ground and smelled the grass. I had a sandwich for lunch, ate fruits, and drank more water, which is the source of life. 

After lunch, I laid down, read a book, and fell asleep. Later, I woke up as the temperature went down. I also felt like someone or something was looking at me. As I turned my head to the right, I saw a doe with her fawns looking at me. I looked at them, and we looked at each other. Then they strolled into the woods and disappeared into their habitats. As I was lying on my back, I looked at the clouds and assumed that they were moving. Yet the reality was that the earth was moving. So, I learned not to believe whatever I see or hear as there are many distorted lies out there that can mask the truth.

Around 6:00 pm, I gathered my trash and followed the recycling guidelines. I left the place as clean as I found it - for the next person or next generation. I went to the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hill State Park to meet Mother Nature. Mother Nature welcomed me with open arms and provided me with a healthy environment, beautiful scenery, and a prayer ground where I could communicate with the universe. 

As a result, I encourage you to visit the United States National Parks such as Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains or any US States Parks. As you visit the Parks, you meet Mother Nature and get to know them. As you know them, you love them. Then the desire to protect them will surface, and you will advocate for more National Parks. The truth is that you cannot love what you don’t know. And the best way to know the National Parks and love them is to visit them.

The US highways were unchangeable as I drove back, except for traffic jams and toll fees. Yet, I didn't mind them. They were the price I had to pay to visit Mother Nature at the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hills State Park. As it is said, “Vous ne pouvez pas avoir omelettes sans casser les oeufs”, meaning "you cannot have omelets without breaking the eggs."

Around 8:00 pm, I arrived home, tired. Yet it was a good tired. I showered, moisturized my body, and I felt much better. I hung my day’s painting Under the Human Rights Tree - and called it “A Day at the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hills State Park.” I lay on the bed, and for a while, I contemplated. Then, I slept, dreaming of tomorrow, which is a gift, another blank canvas- if I have the opportunity to wake up and witness it.

Sincerely,

Alpha 



Wednesday, April 28, 2021

UTHRT-THE RIGHT TO WORK!

My Dear Son,

As spring knocks at my door, I welcome it by opening my windows widely to let the fresh air into my living room. Spring sits where winter used to. It brings bright sun and the fragrance of a new season. With time I have learned that nature imposes its seasons on us, and the only thing we can do is accept them with gratitude. 

Today, it is much easier to call or message you on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Twitter. Yet, my son, I want to sit at my desk and write you a letter to urge you to never surrender your right to work, as work is the fuel that supports our lives in our perpetual battle with nature. So, I hope you find work that you love, and let it be your calling.

The right to work is defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights under Article 23(1), which stipulates, "Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment." Yet, this should not be confused with right-to-work laws, which refer to US state laws that prohibit union security agreements between employers and labor unions. 

My home state, Illinois, is not a right-to-work state. On a personal note, I don't have anything against the right-to-work laws. As in most states that are not right-to-the work states, bureaucrats and unaccountable union leaders run the show. They use their authority to sandwich individuals’ rights and tarnish citizens’ access to the right of due process. They also infringe on an individual’s rights to a better life by imposing the burdens of over taxation and union dues. When it comes to work ethic, these individuals are not often concerned about incompetence, and they are resistant to any solution that affects their personal interests or urges for innovation.

Through this letter, I want you to view work as a partner, not a burden. As a result, you must adopt it with pleasure, or as the poet Senghor said, accept it as a mal necessaire. Yet, you should first find your life’s purpose, then cultivate it. When you find your life’s purpose, work becomes a vessel that allows you to share your gifts with the world. Every day becomes a learning experience that keeps your brain sharp and your muscles active. The fruits of your labor will benefit you and your family and keep you out of slavery. Therefore, you must find your life’s work, my son, and act on it with love. 

Also, I encourage you to go to school and learn the skills you need for your life’s work. At school, you will meet teachers and learn from them. Yet it will help if you can find the way to the library and learn more. On your assignments, you may receive two grades. The first reminds you to work harder because you deserve that grade, and second may be assigned for being yourself. It would be best if you never take the latter personally. You have to accept that we live in a world where being yourself has a price tag, and you must be ready to pay the cost. 

In school, you may also meet students whose work ethics inspire you and others who survive through intellectual dishonesty. Please don’t take the latter personally it is only a preview of what is waiting for you in your future work environment. My son, the school years can be challenging and time-consuming, yet the sacrifice is worth it. You should not let the challenges of these years go to your head and use drugs or pills to overcome the stress. I hope you graduate by working hard.

After your graduation, my son, you will travel around the world. In foreign countries, you will meet friendly people. They will welcome you in their home, share their meals and invite you to their weddings. Whatever the geographic distance, take time to keep in touch with them through a means like Facebook, or send them a birthday wish as a token of your gratitude. You may also meet people who will use your foreign status to try, to rob you of your money and dignity. Don’t be bitter about this. You will simply protect yourself and understand they are mentally or materially poor . You must know that whoever you meet along the journey will teach you something about humankind and the world. So, at the end of each trip, you will grow as a person and agree with me that travel is the best school. 

When you come back home, my son, don’t let the fear of insecurity kill your life’s purpose. So, work on your résumé and demand your right to work. Be your own boss if you can. When people request your service, perform it with love. Serve them in good faith and check to make sure they are satisfied by sending them a thank-you note. As your work reflects your personality, you should leave your footprint on whatever you do. Don’t worry about the financial gain; it will come.

In case you don’t make it as a self-employed worker, accept the fact you have to work to make a living and that begging for food is not an option. Find any job that pays as there is no shame in working for money. Yet, it would be best if you did not let the job overshadow your life’s purpose. It is only a detour, as it is said that all routes lead to Rome. My son, you know that there is no such thing a minor job. Any job that feeds you, clothes you, and houses you becomes “your Independence Day.” 

At work, my son, labor hard and be your best. There are no shortcuts to achieving excellence.-show eagerness to learn and help. You may accept being a student again by asking questions and learning to be a better listener. You may also become a teacher by empowering the newcomers. Yet, you must know that doing your work doesn’t mean you are immune from losing it. As economic circumstances may change, and some coworkers may admire your work ethic, others will hate you because you represent what they are not. Whenever they see you, you remind them of what they should be. Their main reason for working is to pay their unpaid bills. They hate to work, and it is a burden for them. 

So, your presence may disturb those coworkers. Their fears may translate into harassment and unfair treatment or, in some cases, sabotage. Yet you should always have the courage to ask them to stop since you are doing your job with excellence. If they don’t stop, take the issue to your manager. In case your manager does nothing, follow the grievance procedure without losing your temper. He or she may hide under the umbrella that “The problem with you is that you are not a team player.” Take them to court, as you should not let bullies bully you because you are performing your job with joy. 

In court, my son, you may win or lose your case. It does not matter. What matters is that you stand up for your rights. You didn’t sit in your office cubicle to let them abuse you and die a slow death because of your fears of losing your family, your house, and not paying your debt. The justifications for doing nothing may only lead you to an early stage of cancer. 

You may lose your job. This will be okay as long as you don’t lose yourself in the process. The important thing is to fight a good fight and never lie to yourself. When you lose your job, you may get another one. If not, join the employment line with your head held high. When you arrive at the employment office, be ready to remind any agents with insulting looks that you are there to demand your rights.

As you receive your employment benefits, enjoy them, yet it would help if you started looking for another job. Don’t settle for “easy money” lifestyle. Go out there to look for new opportunities, knock on doors and claim your right to work.  You will eventually meet someone who values your work ethic—a person who respects you and does not confuse your race, religion, or ethnic background- with your work ethic. Also, it would be best if you lived in the moment and not worry about a six-month unemployment timeline. Otherwise, you will lose your mind, and you need one to work. Finally, you should not waste your time looking for unpaid volunteering or internship positions. Once, I volunteered for a non-profit organization in the name of service. When they had an opening, I applied for the job l loved. They told me I was overqualified. You must learn from your dad’s mistakes and remember that Congress and the states enacted the Thirteenth Amendment for a reason and you shall never forget it.

My son, when it comes to working, never settle for mediocrity. You must work in environments where your highest potential is required. In those workplaces, excellence and innovation are not a crime. As you become successful at your work, be grateful for the gift of work. The fruits of your labor will provide you with independence and pleasure. Yet you must not use your success to be arrogant and look down on people; we are all human with our unique stories. You must also remember that work is not your domicile, and you should find time for your families, friends, and enjoying yourself. Make sure you surround yourself with people who appreciate you and are always there to help you heal your wounds when you get knocked down by life or another human being.

When you make a mistake in your work relations, own it, and apologize for if necessary, but don’t rely on excuses. There are dues to pay as a citizen, so pay your taxes. Yet, if dishonest politicians decide to ruin your hard work, petition them to stop. If they don’t stop, run for office, and get ready to receive and give punches. There is no morality in politics. When you win an election, always remember the people who put you in office. So, every day works hard to enact laws for constituent’s well-being. Never compare yourself to other politicians, and whatever the season, you should work with purpose. 

Tomorrow I will walk to the neighborhood post office, buy a stamp, and send the letter to your home address. I hope you find the time to read it. I will also send the same letter to your sister, and the only thing I have to do is change the greeting to "My Dear Daughter." Finally, I will make sure to post it Under the Human Rights Tree, so your own sons, daughters, and grandchildren will read the letter at the front doors of their youth and learn that their ancestors worked for a living.

Sincerely,

Alpha



Friday, January 1, 2021

UTHRT- HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021!

 Dear Friends,

 

Happy New Year 2021!

 

A year is gone; another year is here. The year 2020 has been a great year in which I learned a great deal, traveled, and grew. Yet, 2020 has been challenging due to Covid-19.

 

On January 1, 2020. I arrived at the city gate and knocked at the doors. Two guards opened the gate, and they asked me for my passport. As a sign of protest, I said no to their demands because I feel that the world is a village, countries are neighbors, and I am a citizen of the world. They told me that they didn’t care about how I felt; borders were made for a reason, and if I didn’t show my passport, I wouldn’t enter the city. After a few days at the border, reason made me accept that the world is divided into countries, and countries are separated by borders. Therefore, I realized that I should submit my papers and enter legally; otherwise, it would be an insult to reason. So, I gave the guards my passport, and they gave it back to me with a stamp that said, “A nation that cannot control its borders it is not a nation” (attributed to Ronald Reagan). As I entered the city, I learned that a life of dreams without a dose of reality is a recipe for disaster.

 

Early that morning, I wandered around the city, and I decided to have breakfast. At the market, I found a place called Coffee Served with Love. There, I asked for a cup of coffee in order to wish good morning to the day. The taste was terrific, so I asked the owner what the story behind it was. He told me that, as a young man, he traveled around the world tasting coffees. One day, he realized that his life’s purpose was coffee. So, he decided to come back home and open a shop to sell coffee. Then, he decided to share his life’s purpose with love whenever he had the opportunity to meet another human being. As I enjoyed my coffee, I also learned that life is about finding your life’s purpose and acting on it with love. 

 

At 1:30 pm, after a long day of walking and sightseeing, I decided to have lunch. I arrived at a restaurant called Objectivism, owned by a lady with a Russian accent named Ayn Rand. She seated me on the highest pedestal of knowledge. She gave me a menu with the daily specials, which were “Fountainhead” as an entree, “Atlas Shrugged” as the main course, and a dessert called “Objectivism”. I also enjoyed a mixed cocktail drink of reason, purpose, and self-reliance. The whole experience was fulfilling, and it allowed me to form a new perspective on the world.

 

Afterward, I started a conversation with fellow travelers. One of them told me about her trip to the far eastern region where an invisible enemy was turning people’s lives upside down, locking them up and killing them. Yet she told me that I should not worry as our borders were well guarded. I responded that we should be alarmed and offered to help before it was too late. Another person jumped in the conversation to say, “let them deal with their mess.” 

 

As I was getting ready to leave, Ms. Rand gave me a red envelope as a gift. I thanked her, but I did not open it. I was worried about the Russian collision that plagued our lives for four years. It cost us $32 million and ended up being fake news. I left the restaurant a little worried. I walked in the street with the thought of the invisible enemy in my mind, because I learned to view the world in the eyes of Neil Armstrong, who was struck that the planet Earth was a tiny pea- pretty and blue.

 

At night, I went out for dinner. Then, I decided to go and see a play called the Apocalypse Next Door. The first act took place on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As I sat in the center aisle section in silence, I watched the drama unfold. I saw a forty-six-year- old man pinned on the ground while a policeman kneeled on his neck. The man begged for his right to life, yet the policeman refused to hear his cry, "I can't breathe!". Later, he died in a nearby hospital. The whole event lasted eight minutes, forty-six seconds. The sequence was so tense that the world erupted and called for justice. The audience seated in the left aisle section started shouting "Black Lives Matter!" and "Defund the Police!". Soon after, the drama shifted with a new plot. At a funeral home in Auburn Gresham, Chicago, while people honored a victim of gun violence, a car passed by, and fourteen people were shot. Later at midnight cars drove in the downtown area, and people started breaking in and looting stores. The audience seated in the right aisle section responded by shouting, "Law and Order!" Finally, a teenager armed with a rifle drove to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to protect the businesses and ended up shooting and killing two men in front of the police and media. Some in the audience called it “Self-defense”. The curtains closed in the hope of calming down the audience.

 

In the second act of the play, Covid-19 took center stage as main character and started smashing the scenery, causing damages that killed 1,827,941 people around the world and 354,233 in the United States. The virus also closed businesses and schools. The theater’s executive director stepped in to stop the play. He asked the audience members to go home, wear a mask, and socially distance. Yet, he refused to remind them that they had a right to the same health insurance that their congressmen had. In his final remark, the director advised the audience to connect via Zoom to watch the last act of the play. 

 

The last act, called “Election Day”, started well and ended with technical delays. An event that supposed to be a one-night show with a winner and loser ended up as an ongoing process. I thought it was my Zoom connection, and I decided to turn on CNN and FOX to get a sense of what was happening. Yet I went to bed wondering whether the channels were talking about the same election, as it was hijacked by censorship and conspiracy. I did not know what to believe. The next day I went for a run, and I had a healthy breakfast. While I reflected on the election, I concluded that I would be fine, as long as the winner guaranteed people their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

My travels this year took me to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. On January 9, 2020, I arrived in the Sunshine State; I spent my time walking and relaxing near the Ocean. I also visited the everglades on Captain Jeans’ Airboat, and I saw some wildlife. At the weekend, I went to Little Havana. There, I enjoyed delicious Cuban cuisine, and I ended up at a live band concert. I danced to the rhythm of the salsa until around 3 am. As I was getting ready to leave, a middle-aged lady grabbed the mic from the singer and started yelling "Cuba libre! Cuba libre!" Reality set in; I understood that the culture was Cuban, yet we were not in Havana, and I learned not to hide from politics as it is all around us.

My other trip took me to the Wild West. I left Chicago on September 6, 2020, and I spent the night under the Arc of Dreams in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The next morning, after breakfast, I went for a walk in Falls Park and met James, a Native American, who was the self-proclaimed river's guardian. I continued my journey and visited the badlands Parks, Custer State Parks, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. At a small western town called keystone in the Black Hills, I rested and read about the legends of Commander George Armstrong Custer, Crazy Horse, and the dream of Korczak Ziolkowski. I visited also the Devils Tower National Monument and stayed at a ranch. I went to Cody, Wyoming, for a week to immerse myself in the cowboys' lifestyle and to visit Yellowstone National Park; they were both beautiful experiences. The tale of the trip was, when one door closed, another opened. As the invisible enemy closed international borders, the Wild West of United States America and the country’s beautiful places, national parks, and countryside opened to whoever dared to travel and seek. When I returned to Chicago, I learned there were many Americas, and I learned to love them all. 

Finally, my travels took me through the empty streets of Chicago and to Illinois parks. I carried my camera as my only weapon. Whenever I witnessed life's wonders, I sat in a Zen position to capture the moments and share them with my friends in my Instagram and Facebook page. 

 

I grew in 2020. The year confirmed my life's purpose, which is to advocate and share stories of Human Rights “Under the Human Rights Tree” www.underthehumanrightstree.orgBecause, I believe, the respect of human rights values can help us to build a better world. This year also sharpened my new views on human rights advocacy, which stands on the premise that human rights' claims trigger the acceptance of human duties, as they walk hand in hand. There is a Fulani's wisdom that says, "If God helps you to clean your back, make sure you clean your front." Today, whenever I advocate for the value of human rights, I will make sure to voice our duties as humans, as life is a balance.  

 

The journey of 2020 is coming to an end. The year 2021 is here, despite the dark cloud of incertitude that hangs over our heads. I hope you find a window of hope for which you are grateful. In 2020, I was grateful that I had three meals a day, a roof over my head, and I was healthy enough to travel around the country. In 2021, I look forward to better days, so we can meet again on the dance floor, at artistic gatherings, or at the battlefield of ideas. Before then, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones Happy New Year 2021!

 

Sincerely,

Alpha