UTHRT: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!

 Dear Friends, 

Happy New Year 2023!

A year is gone; another year is here. 2022 has been a great year. I learned a great deal, traveled, and grew.

This year, I learned about the devil. As Covid-19 faded and life went back to semi-normal, Hollywood decided to organize the Oscars 2022 Academy Awards ceremony. The spectacle offered people something to Twitter, Share, and Like around the country and world. 

I watched a part of the event on a short YouTube video after the fact. I saw a comedian making jokes. An actor, a victim of domestic abuse, laughed at them until his wife's eyes awakened him. Then, in a sudden panic and fear, he left his seat, walked onto the stage, and slapped the comedian in front of 16.6 million viewers.

Furthermore, he returned to his seat and engaged in a barrage of insults, but nobody reacted. Then, the academy honored him with the best Actor award 2022 and allowed him to speak. Under tears, he apologized to everyone except the victim of the verbal and physical assaults. He concluded his speech by blaming the devil. At that moment, I realized the devil never existed. It is a human creation, a scapegoat when individuals don’t have the courage to assume their responsibilities and refuse to acknowledge their worst behaviors.

Also, the year 2022, I thought, would bring a breath of fresh air for many American students when the U.S. government announced that it would provide them a relief called "Student Loan Forgiveness" (“SLF”) after a few tumultuous years under Covid-19. As a good Samaritan, I accepted the fact that everyone would welcome the good news. Yet, at the town square, the Student Loan Forgiveness news went under a storm of partisan politics.

Some were happy as they would benefit from the relief and thought it would be the right thing to do. Others believed the relief amount was too little and politically motivated. Also, the (“SLF”) relief angered many, as they thought it was an unfair decision the government made against them. In their view, they forfeited going to school, and some of them joined the army to avoid debt. And now their government was giving free handout money to other Americans. As I analyzed the situation, I learned the recipe for misery is to compare your life with others and that whatever you do, there will be unhappy people in our society. So, do the right thing and let history be the judge.

Yet, today the promise of relief is at the U.S. Supreme Court after some states, non-profit organizations, and individuals sued the government. They alleged they were wronged by the proposal and believed that the president did not have the prerogative to make such decision. Ultimately, we will have to wait and see what the Law says about the promise and entertain whether education should be a right.

Moreover, on the night of November 9, 1989, when people in Germany dismantled the wall of Berlin, we all thought it was the end of the cold war. Yet, on February 24, 2022, we saw it reappear in Ukraine, and innocent Ukrainians were the victims.

Finally, this year, I learned to find the key to happiness in forgiveness. I realized humans are not perfect. So, to live happily in our society, one must learn to forgive, which means forgive yourself first and forgive others. As in the journey of life, it is better to travel light.

My travels took me to different neighborhoods, cities, towns, and parks this year. I spent most of my time walking randomly to meet the beauties of this world. 

I grew in 2022 by pursuing my journey to seek beauty and truth and share them Under the Human Rights Tree as I believe Freedom of Speech is sacrosanct. Through that process, I have founded an organization and intend to make it my life’s work. Visit: www.uthrt.org

2022 came and went, and I hope we learned and grew from it. 2023 is here. I hope we embrace it with courage, travel and try our best to make it a joyful year. Again, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year 2023!

Sincerely,

Alpha

UTHRT: THE RIGHT TO DANCE!

My dancing journey started in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Like all African Francophone cities, Dakar was born to an African mother and French father. The city was the fruit of a colonial relationship based not on love but for convenience. As a result, it grew up with a perpetual identity crisis as it tried to reconcile its African and French heritage.

Today, Dakar is a vibrant city, growing in size and population. Its geographic location exposes it to the World's cultures. Yet, the city still has an inferiority complex toward its father. Although the latter adores his oldest son Paris whom he believes is the World's most beautiful city.

Dakarois are the habitants of Dakar. Most of them come from the West African region to settle temporarily. Yet, people stay indefinitely to pursue dreams with no ending sights. They embrace the city in its diversity but still carry nostalgic memories of their villages. They have one thing in common. They love Dakar and want it to reflect the image of a Teranga. Thus, they organize festivities to offer a smokescreen on the city’s challenges.

The festivities in Dakar range from seasonal soccer activities, Simb-Gainde Ndiaye ritual ceremonies, Sabar gatherings, Laamb wrestling matches, and dance activities. As a result, youths of the same block occasionally organize dancing parties called "Bal." to celebrate special occasions and holidays. The boys and their friends get together to make monetary contributions. They hire a DJ with a music sound system, rent chairs, and buy food and drinks. And, they invite their girlfriends and their friends. It is a way for them to follow a tradition left by their elders, who organized “Bals” and danced to the popular music tune of their time.

So, growing up in Dakar, I witnessed generations of dancers organize “Bals”. They dressed to the vogue and danced to their favorite music bands and musicians. As a child, I saw my parents, uncles, and aunts dance to the rhythm of Cuban music with Aragon Orchestra, Star Band De Dakar, Rock & Roll with Elvis Presley, and Swing with Count Basie Orchestra. Also, I saw my older brothers and sisters dance to the tune of Disco with Boney M, Soul with James Brown, Reggae with Bob Marley, and afro-rumba with Orchestra Baobab. While I sat near the dance floors, I watched them dance. Later, I joined them and learned that each dance requires basic steps.

In my youth, I danced to the rhythm of Zouk with Kassav, Soukous- Rumba with Papa Wemba, Rap with 2 Pack, and Mbalack with Youssou N'Dour. I needed little to master my elders' dances as I learned by watching them dance. Also, in Dakar, dancing was part of life. People danced when they talked and walked. They danced in their prayers, funerals, and celebrations. Dancing was another way communities expressed their feelings.

Therefore, our ancestors understood that a body that hosted emotions needed a way to release them. They believed dancing was one way to get rid of bad energies and keep our bodies healthy. So, they advocated that people had the Right to Dance.

The law insider defines Dance legally as "movements selected and organized for aesthetic purposes or a medium of expression….". That means any dance must be a movement of the body or a vehicle of expression to pass the legal test. Dancing can be solo or with a partner. Today, despite the diverse forms of Dance, it is accepted that all Dance forms comply with five fundamental elements: body, action, space, time, and energy. Therefore, I define Dance as a body in motion into a space, responding timely to a sound and expressing a personal feeling. 

Moreover, based on factual studies, many scientists and sociologists accept the verdict that dancing has many benefits. The benefits are our mental and physical health and social well-being. Dancing uses our brain to coordinate movements. It also allows our hearts and muscles to exercise through the movement of our bodies. Finally, dancing creates a floor for a peaceful assembly and freedom of expression where people meet, socialize and create a community. Thus, dance is good for our health. 

When I arrived in Chicago in 2001, I carried my love for dancing with me. I also accepted that the U.S. Constitution guaranteed individuals a right to the pursuit of happiness. Yet, I knew behind any right lay a duty. So, I chose dancing as one of my ways to pursue happiness.

As a newcomer in America, I was fortunate to be invited to American parties. I learned that they were different from African parties, especially the “Bals”. American parties have different connotations. Generally, people get together at a friend's house called the host. When they arrive at the host's house, they bring food and drinks with them to share. They sit or stand in the living room. They eat, drink, talk to each other, and make new friends with music playing in the background. I was grateful for being invited to those parties. They opened my eyes to a new way of life. Yet, I missed dancing. So, I went to look for open dance floors around the city of Chicago. As wisdom ordains, it is up to a thirsty man to look for the well, not the other way around.

The city of Chicago offers diverse dance venues because of the town's diverse population and cultures. Therefore, dance lovers may dance to the rhythm of Blues, Salsa, Meringue, Cumbia, Disco, Balkan, Tango, Swing, Techno, Reggae, Bollywood, Celtic, Punk and African; in venues such as: Nightclubs, Dance Schools, Bars, Churches, Community Centers, Yoga Center, Hotels, Schools, and Private Houses. Yet, my favorite place amongst them is the Palm Court Drake Hotel.

The Palm Court Drake Hotel is located at the Drake Hotel. It offers entertainment with live music and a dance floor every weekend on Fridays and Saturdays. The space is grand, beautiful, with high ceilings. The floor is on white marble. The room also has a water fountain in the middle with flowery hat and tables and chairs all around for guests to sit and have a drink. The architecture of the place blends the old and modern times, attracting people from different ages, professions and backgrounds. The environment is cordial and bohemian. It is an ideal place for people seeking la joie de vivre.

The live music and dance at the Palm Court start around 9 pm. People I meet there are always well-dressed. They look forward to dancing with other dancers. The hotel patrons create an environment of peaceful assembly. In return, they expect their customers to reciprocate by buying food and drinks. Yet, it is not mandatory. It is an understanding. The atmosphere at the Palm Court is unique in many ways, as it permits one to dance to the live music and socialize with friends during music bands’ breaks. In most venues, DJs play the music without a break. The music is loud; thus, no room for conversation.

Despite the diversity in background, profession, and age, as you converse with people, you learn they have two things in common, a love for dancing and life. So, as you dance into the years at the Palm Court Drake Hotel, you end up belonging to a community of friends. Each year you pause for a family photo which ends up as an evidence of your dance memories into a Facebook post.

At the Palm Court Drake Hotel's dance floor, you meet different groups of dancers. Among them are the debutants: They are nervous as you dance with them. They look on the floor to see the movement of your feet. Their body movements are tight. Their timings are off, and their hands shake. Yet, your duty as a dancer is to welcome and remind them that the sole purpose of the dance is to have fun. Then, you encourage them to look into your eyes. Due to the fact when it comes to dancing, one must follow your partner’s eyes, not the feet. Further, you ask them to embrace their missteps and learn from them. In the end, with time, they will be better dancers.

Also, you meet the impostors: For them, dance is the end to a means. The imposters invest time and money to learn how to dance. They believe in dancing, they will find a girlfriend, eventually a future wife or a boyfriend, or a husband. So, when you ask them for a dance, they may refuse to dance with you, if they don’t see you as a potential one. Or, if they decide to dance with you, they may do it with nonchalance. They don’t enjoy dancing as they constantly compare themselves to other dancers. Whenever they see a natural dancer they often get frustrated, and when they see a debutant, they turn into a dance teacher. In the end, if their investment pays fruit and they achieve their goals by finding a mate. They may stop coming to dance events or they only dance with their partner. So, they demand the latter to ask for permission before dancing with other dancers. Otherwise, they display jealousy, anger, and tantrums as they are insecure and full of fears.

Moreover, you meet the Nostalgic. The nostalgic are elderly ladies and gentlemen. They have been coming to the Drake Hotel for decades. They are always well dressed and sit at their table with a smile. They used to be in the spotlight. Yet, today they are content being anonymous. With confidence, they hope to have a dance, a good time, and go back home happy. I take the time to acknowledge their presence, invite them for a dance and learn from their wisdom. As I learn from them, dancing becomes another journey to the past. Where one remembered a husband or a wife who left too soon, an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend who left a scar in one beautiful heart, or a regret of letting a precious love story escape between one finger because one was too afraid of being judged by one peer. Yet, I often wonder if I can add a little joy or a smile to the nostalgic hearts. So, I tend my hands toward them and ask, “May I have a dance?”

Finally, you meet the Natural Dancers: The natural dancers understand the meaning of dancing. Dancing comes naturally to them. They see dance as a body movement that allows you to express yourself. So, they follow the basic steps of any form of dance. Yet they openly bring their own touch into the dance. They extend hands to all dance community members without prejudice, and they welcome them with a dance. For them, to dance is a journey of expression. And the reason why they dance lies in their desire for freedom. 

Yet, like many rights printed on white papers with black inks, the Right to Dance does not go without challenges. And often, the challenges come from individuals, some religious leaders, city officials, and state legislators. At the Palm Court Drake Hotel, although the environment was welcoming. The dance floor was not always smooth and accessible. Individuals challenged my Right to Dance. Among them were two servers. A Caucasian Eastern European male who took the liking to bump on me as I danced, and a female African American who constantly harassed me for not paying enough for drinks. I confronted them one by one. Then I told them to stop; otherwise, I would complain to their managers. They realized I was ready to fight for my rights, so they stopped and left me alone. Also, a female of Asian descent asked me whether a table was available. I responded I did not know as I was not a worker but a dancer. On other occasions, South American tourists and American interstate business travelers in the U.S. asked whether the hotel paid me to dance. I responded. No, I just love to dance.

As I share these stories, I want to remind people when it comes to people's ethnicity and race; I am blind. I believe there is only one race, the human race. Yet, I used these stories to point out against prejudices, racialization, and generalization. I also wish to emphasize that any person who believes that sanctity or evilness is the monopoly of one race, religion, or class is wrong. As for me, you find good apples (people) and bad ones wherever you go. The only thing you can do is enjoy the company of the good ones and ignore the bad to the extent possible. As life is short, you should not waste it on futilities. Yet, you just love yourself.

Furthermore, during my research on the Right to Dance, I learned that in the United States, some city and state officials used their power to restrain people's Right to Dance. They required licenses, permits, or enacted laws to infringe on the Right to Dance. A Vice Article called "All the Times in American History that Authorities Tried to Stop People from Dancing" by Anna Codrea-Rado, published on March 6, 2017, stated that during the 1920’s states such as Georgia passed the "Blue Laws" prohibiting certain activities on Sundays. The city passed a law preventing dancing "In any public place on the Lord's day, commonly known as Sunday." Further, in 1980, in the rural town of Elmore City, Oklahoma, representatives of the city came up with restrictions on dancing based on moral grounds. Even today, regulations such as "The cabaret Law" in New York City have been used since 1920 to target dance lovers and same sex couples.

Likewise, today, dancers are victims of stigmas and prejudices in a certain part of the world. Despite the satisfaction, people get to watch them dance. Some view dancers as outcasts. They perceive them as low classes, sinners, or prostitutes in certain countries.

So, in certain cultures, people who choose dancing as a profession may see their families disown them, and government officials enact laws to prohibit them from dancing. In his article called "Countries that Banned Dance" in Backdrops, Charles H Steward cited countries such as Germany, which banned dancing during Easter weekend and Christmas eve as "a respectful act for the holidays." Also, in Kuwait, laws prohibited dancing even at concerts. Another country he mentioned was Japan, which banned dancing to prevent "Hot Beds for Prostitution" and demanded that clubs apply for dance permits. I often restrain myself from judging a country I did not put afoot yet. But, as Voltaire said, "let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world."

To the question, whether the Right to Dance should be considered as a human rights issue, I will say yes. Considering the fact that dance is legally defined as a “medium of expression”. Therefore, denying any person or community the Right to Dance would be equivalent to denying them their rights to the freedom of expression, which goes against Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (“UDHR”) that stipulates “everyone has freedom of opinion and expression.” Further, in all venues I went to, dance lovers get together peacefully and enjoy themselves. So, I may view any law that goes against dancing as a violation of Article 20 of the (“UDHR”) that states “everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.” Moreover, these same rights are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.

As a result, we must not take our rights for granted. The fight to preserve them is not seasonal but an endless battle as there are always unhappy individuals, extremist puritans, and city and state officials who indulge in ways to limit our rights to the pursuit of happiness. So, we must fight to defend our rights, such as the Right to Dance. As for many of us, dancing is not solely an act but a spiritual and a therapeutic journey. Also, we must fight so that the government can use more of our tax money to fund dance ensembles, dance programs in schools, and senior citizen centers. That will help professional dancers avoid starving and save us health costs as a society.

With time in Dakar. I witness many generations of dancers leave the dance floor of their youth, never to come back. Like the ocean waves, they drift far from the dance floors and land at the shore of mosques and churches to seek the keys to heaven. Because some religious scholars convince them that dancing is a sin. They resolve to stop going to the “Bals” of Dakar as it is the best way to repent.

In Chicago, Palm Court Drake Hotel dance floor closed with Covid-19. Despite the vaccine, it was never the same again. I stopped seeing most people I used to meet every weekend. They receded into their private lives. I called some of them to inquire about their well-being. Others we kept in touch through Social Media. Yet as the pandemic persisted, we all accepted the facts that Palm Court Drake Hotel and Dancing were the backbones of our friendship.  

As I pursue my dance journey, I reveal to my fellow friends my wish to dance until I die. And, I hope they stand by my side as I lay on my deathbed and cannot talk. Then, they respectfully remind whoever is in charge to put on the music of my liking and allow me to move my head, eyes, fingers, and toes. So, I can have my last dance with death and die a sinner if it is what it takes to uphold my Right to Dance.

Sincerely,

Alpha

 

 

UTHRT- ANIMAL RIGHTS- SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO HELP YOUR PET ADJUST TO NEW HOME!

                                          Contributor Cindy Aldridge

 

Relocating to a new home can be stressful for people. But for pets, it can be downright overwhelming. Our furry family members thrive on routine, so uprooting them from their homes can cause them severe anxiety, especially since they cannot mentally prepare for the change. 

 

Even after your family has navigated the challenges of packing and moving, it may take some time for your pet to acclimate to its new living environment. Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to help your pet settle comfortably into your new home. I have provided a few tips below!

 

Boost Your Financial Security   

 

You may need to purchase new toys, bedding, or other essentials for your pet to help them transition smoothly into their new chapter. Ideally, you will do this without racking up debt!

 

If you are relocating to another state, think of ways to save money. For example, maybe you can temporarily stay with family or friends as you research the housing market and job opportunities. Of course, wherever you stay must be able to accommodate pets!

 

Stick to Your Pet's Schedule

 

Pets, especially dogs, need routine. Try to keep your pet's schedule as consistent as possible as you relocate. Even when you're busy unpacking or fulfilling other responsibilities, take time to take your pet potty, feed them, and play with them.

 

Use Fragrances

 

Most pets use their sense of smell more than anything else to perceive the world around them. Consider using specific fragrances in your home in the weeks before your move. As you arrive at your new home, spray the same fragrances to help your pet feel more comfortable in their new environment.

 

Make a Space for Them

 

You will have many things to accomplish as you try to settle into your new home, but setting up your pet's living area is one of the first tasks to complete. Find a spot in your new home to put your pet's toys, bed, blankets, and bowls to help them feel secure in the busyness of the move. 

 

Wherever you put your pet doesn't have to be their permanent spot. Just make sure they are comfortable and have everything they need as you unpack and organize your belongings.

 

Spend More Time at Home (if Possible)     

 

You can expect your pet to be more anxious than usual as they adjust to their new home. If possible, try to spend more time by their side to help them acclimate. This might require you to take a couple of days off work or cancel a few of your regular commitments. But if you must leave home, try to find a person your pet is familiar with to keep them company while you're gone.

 

Introduce Them to the House in Increments

 

Take your time when you introduce your pet to the new home. It's best to limit them to one room on the first day so that they can smell every nook and cranny and become comfortable in it. Then, gradually introduce them to the rest of the house, one room at a time, and consider taking a few days to complete the process.

 

Keep Them Active

 

This tip falls in line with keeping your pet's routine. Make sure they are still getting the necessary amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy during the transition. Take them for walks, play with them in the backyard, and think of any other ways that you can keep your pet active. This will give you the chance to move your body too!

 

Change can be difficult for pets, which is why you must be conscious of how you can make your relocation as comfortable as possible for your furry companion. Along with implementing the tips above, keep thinking of other ways to help your pet adjust to their new living environment. In no time, your family will be comfortably settling into the next chapter of your lives!

 

If you found this article helpful, you can read much more content at ourdogfriends.org

 

Photo by Alpha (c)

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

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 

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

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