LIBERTY LEADING THE PEOPLE

2020 | acrylic and oilstick on canvas | 48x72” | painting by Arya B | narrative by May Khadem MD

There is a vision for our nation - E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many One. It is the vision enshrined in the founding of this nation, the vision of "liberty and justice for all" — the vision etched into the Declaration of Independence — that all would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." This is the vision has inspired countless poets, writers, visionaries, and leaders the world over, both known and unknown. It is the noble vision that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, translated for us when he said, "I've been to the mountaintop." He said in that speech, "…I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars. And I see… something is happening in our world…. Let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have the opportunity to make America a better nation…. I've been to the mountaintop. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land…" and in another speech, he tells us, "…Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy… Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood… With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood…" He was one among the true leaders in our world who have helped us "to see." It is those who have suffered most who will lead the way. Their vision is keener, their passion, perseverance, courage and audacity greater. Liberty will lead the people.

In the background, from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that BLACK LIVES MATTER, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men.... And with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”