Because we are better

Dear Agency Partner,

“The most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.” – Steve Bikko

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” – Gandhi-Ji

“World peace through nonviolent means is neither absurd nor unattainable. All other methods have failed. Thus we must begin anew. Nonviolence is a good starting point.” Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

All three of these remarkable individuals were assassinated, one while in state security custody in Johannesburg, South Africa. Do you know what they had in common? A vision! A vision to help those without a voice, to help through intellectual strength not violence.

All of us, regardless of where we live in the world, are connected, whether that be through race, sports, lifestyle, or just our common humanity.  And, traveling connects us like no other single act. I used to believe that we have a choice to help change the world for the better. That has changed. Today, I firmly believe it is now our obligation. And it starts with a movement such as the one our foundation, Spirit of Big Five, has been involved with that has helped feed more than 20,000 people in the impoverished communities around Cartagena. There, police, military and local business owners truly came together in peace volunteering to ensure the vital supplies get to those in the direst need. If this once-conflicted nation can do it, then so can we.  Law and Order was achieved not decreed.

So this week, I want to offer all of you a front row seat of what that collaboration looks like. I am inspired by all of your posts about standing together. Come see what the foundation is doing in conjunction with Cartagena Unida. This is live and unscripted and gives you the ultimate virtual experience of a united effort to give a voice to the voiceless.

If you would like to support our movement, that would be great, but not necessary. More than anything else, we hopefully will inspire you and others to begin a movement that speaks to each of you. This is not about politics, it’s about seeking the best in us. Many of your posts ended with the thought that we have to be better.

Take a look back to a time about three decades ago and remember when Colombia was considered almost unsavable. Today, Colombia and humanity are joined together in an ongoing dialog so much so, they seem to finish each other’s sentences. This is how we begin to be better… because we are better.

Enclosed with this note is the video you see, a recording of our last ride along. Join us on our next ride along June 5 at 12:00pm EST.

Humanizing the soul yesterday, today and tomorrow.