I’ve got more to say on this topic, but I’ll start here: We cannot permit the suppression of free speech in any form. Whether folks celebrate a man’s death for trying to spark dialogue or a president uses heavy-handed tactics to decide who Americans can hear on TV, censorship is a threat to our country and our future. Free speech is not a cushion for comfort; it’s a shield for truth, accountability, and progress in the rough-and-tumble of urban life.

Let’s come together as Americans around one core truth: The right to think, question, and speak freely must apply to everyone. Stop defending “your side” by silencing voices that make you uneasy. The strength of our Republic is found in the clash of ideas, not in silencing dissent. We the people — every single one of us — deserve a hearing, and every voice deserves respect, even when it confronts our own beliefs.

Remember the old saying, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it”? Real education requires exposure to perspectives that challenge us, not a curated echo chamber that validates only what we already think. Disagreement isn’t a vice; it’s the engine of our Republic. It tests ideas, reveals flaws, and strengthens arguments through reasoned debate.

Freedom isn’t a privilege for the comfortable or the majority; it’s the birthright of every citizen, protected by our Constitution and the rule of law. If we let government or powerful interests silence those we disagree with, we abandon the very principles that built our urban neighborhoods and our nation.

We must demand free thought and open exchange with courage and civility. Encourage vigorous debate, insist on factual discourse, and reject attempts to demonize or deplatform opponents simply for speaking their mind. This isn’t about endorsing every harsh or harmful remark; it’s about upholding a standard of persuasion grounded in truth, evidence, and respect for fellow citizens.

And let’s never forget our history. The struggle against slavery and its modern echoes reminds us that Liberty isn’t forfeited by disagreement; it’s preserved by conscience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Freedom means listening to those we disagree with, including voices from communities that have long battled oppression. Only through robust, fearless dialogue can we uncover truth, refine our beliefs, and safeguard the enduring promise of America: a government of, by, and for the people, defended by free speech.