Defiance Citizens For Change

“Coming generations will learn equality from poverty, and love from woes.” – Khalil Gibran.

In Sept. 2011, I made a quiet promise to whatever God there may be, that if He would save me from the demeaning and spirit-shredding life that I was leading, I would use my efforts for the better, use whatever means I had to try to make this world a better place. Needless to say, I got my answer when I came back to my family in Ohio in Sept. One month later, Occupy Defiance came into fruition. Thanks to Justin Humphrey-Gainor, who has been a longtime activist, for his encouragement in my participation.

Like many people, I asked myself “What can I do? I’m just one person.” Well, after seeing the Uprising in Egypt as well as, of course, Occupy WallStreet, I realized I wasn’t the only one who felt like I was limited as to what I can or cannot do. But just making yourself noticeable, bringing awareness of knowledge that you feel many have not acquired yet is the first step in “doing something”. I am happy to announce that the movement is still alive and well.

Since Occupy Defiance, I have been asked to write articles such as the one you are reading now. It also inspired me to write a song I called Super Soldier, in which I talk about the many issues of today. That song was the gateway for me to get back into music that I had left behind years ago. And since conscious hip-hop is a dying breed, I found my niche in it and will continue to resuscitate it among a nation where hip-hop is more of people trying to sell you something rather than teach you something.

Due to personal circumstances, I re-located to Toledo, Ohio where I became active in various protests (Anti-War In Iran, Freedom For Syria, Anti-Nuclear). I also joined in with Occupy Toledo in which we held a mock funeral for April Fool’s Day. I also discovered the Green Party in which I was completely unaware of until I saw that members of Occupy Toledo help campaign for the Lucas County Green Party or are in fact, council members themselves.

Now before I go any further, I feel like I need to add a little personal information. When I was younger, I was out of control. I didn’t listen to authority, I depended on the use of drugs to treat depression of having a traumatic childhood, I thought the more parties I attended, the more friends I had. I felt my options were limited and was completely oblivious as to what true happiness really meant. Above all, I felt like a disappointment to my loved ones. I felt dead to the world. And Occupy made me a phoenix.

I met many wonderful people  locally as well as globally since I started as an activist. All of which have been inspiring to me in my endeavors. So I leave you with this, fellow activists, musicians, readers, future generations: I will continue to fight corruption and help those in need to the best of my abilities until this phoenix cannot fly anymore.

http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/occupy-toledo-funeral

Also, do not forget MAY DAY. Expect us.

Post By Audrey Foust (6 Posts)

musician and proud member of Occupy Defiance, and active member in other surrounding areas. Forever an active citizen to end corruption of The United States of America.

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