As we welcomed 2025, I stood in a stranger's home, surrounded by family and friends, reflecting on the wisdom shared by the host during a midnight sermon. Their message centered on Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." These words, resonating deeply with me, evoked memories of Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs’ powerful speech at a South Florida People of Color (SFPoC) event years ago. Both moments left an indelible mark, shaping my understanding of the profound responsibility we carry through our words.
The Transformative Power of Words
Words shape our reality. They can build bridges or erect walls, foster understanding or perpetuate harm. In a time marked by increasing political divisiveness and social unrest, the power of speech becomes a critical tool for change. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. This New Year, I am reminded that every conversation, every utterance, holds the potential to affirm life or deny it.
Building Communities Through Dialogue
At SFPoC, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of courageous conversations. Our programs, from the award-winning Unity360 Community Dialogues to the Awkward Dinner series, provide spaces for people from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful discussions. These initiatives do more than just foster understanding; they empower participants to challenge systemic inequities and embrace inclusivity.
In 2024 alone, our work touched thousands of lives through events, e-newsletters, and social media. Each dialogue brought us closer to a shared vision of equity and inclusion. However, as we look to 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. The resurgence of divisive rhetoric and policies threatens to unravel the progress we have made.
The Cost of Silence
The political landscape we face today demands action, not apathy. Words have the power to create or destroy, to uplift or oppress. During the first Trump administration, we witnessed how harmful rhetoric fueled division and perpetuated systemic oppression. As we prepare for his return to power, the urgency to speak truth to power has never been greater. This moment calls for more than just well-meaning intentions; it requires vocal advocacy and decisive action.
A Call to Action
As we step into 2025, I urge you to join us in harnessing the power of speech to create change. By supporting SFPoC, you contribute to a movement that prioritizes dialogue, education, and advocacy. Together, we can combat the divisive forces threatening our communities and work toward a more just and equitable society.
To our donors who supported us in 2024, especially during our year-end fundraising campaign, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your generosity fuels our mission and sustains our work. Because of you, we continue to create spaces for healing and understanding, even in the most challenging times.
Moving Forward
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us of the immense responsibility we hold. As we navigate this new year, let us choose to speak life into our communities, to challenge injustice with courage, and to build a foundation for equity and inclusivity through our words and actions. Life and death truly are in the power of the tongue. Let us use that power to inspire, to unite, and to create lasting change.