The Spirit of America Walk
The Massachusetts 54th Regiment
The Declaration of Independence of the United States is one of the most profound documents in the history of organized nations. It speaks to the yearning and aspirations of all people, of all nations, across all times—past, present, and indeed future. The Declaration reflects the core and essential nature of all human beings, resonating with the deep yearning of the human spirit and providing a guiding star for all humanity.
More than the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence is a beacon of hope. While the Constitution serves as a waypoint on our progress towards an enlightened and harmonious society, the Declaration of Independence is the illumination and compass that guides us on our journey, propelling us forward towards our greatest potential as a nation.
The Fourth of July is a time when we reconnect with the spirit that birthed this nation. Despite the growing pains of this young nation, by keeping alive the founding spirit of what this nation means and what it can become, we assure our prosperity and well-being into the future.
The Spirit of America Walk is a dedication to the people who, at their best, gave their time, energy, and lives to this spirit. The signers of the Declaration of Independence, Abigail Adams, and the 1,044 men of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, among others, have given us inspiring examples of what it means to live, and endeavor to realize, the spirit of America. Their legacy reminds us to honor and strive towards the ideals that form the bedrock of our nation.
The spirit of America lives in the Declaration of Independence. Massachusetts is home to five of the signers of the Declaration of Independence; Sam Adams, John Adams, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, and Elbridge Gerry. Massachusetts is also the home of the famed Massachusetts 54th Regiment. The famed regiment of Black Americans who fought and died to secure the spirit of America for all.
Every year on July 4, to honor the Declaration of Independence and the men and women who worked, fought and died for the spirit of America, I walk from Quincy to Boston. I stop along way to pay homage and place a US flag at the homes of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the memorial to Abigail Adams, and finally at the memorial of the Massachusetts' 54th Regiment in Boston.
Feel free to join me on this walk via
The Spirit of America Walk
In 2019, before the pandemic hit, 140 million Americans were living in poverty or just one
emergency away from economic ruin:
emergency away from economic ruin:
- 60% of Black people (24 million)
- 64% of Hispanic/Latino people (38 million)
- 40% of Asian people (8 million)
- 60% of Indigenous and Native people (2 million)
- 33% of white people (66 million).
These tens of millions of people live in every region, state and county in the country. Poverty was the fourth leading cause of death, claiming more lives than homicide, gun violence, diabetes or obesity. Long-term poverty was responsible for 295,000 deaths a year - or over 800 deaths a day.
The pandemic festered in these fissures, taking root in systemic racism, poverty, the denial of health care, ecological devastation, wealth inequality and rampant military spending. During the first two years, governments at all levels responded to the crisis by expanding access to health care, housing, water, food and utilities. These overdue changes proved that in the world’s richestcountry, we can ensure a dignified life for all. But these pandemic programs were temporary.
When they ended abruptly, poverty and related interlocking injustices began to rise once again. While millions of people remain without work, living wages, housing, clean water, food or health care, corporations and the wealthy are doing exceedingly well. Between 2020-2022, billionaire wealth grew by $1.5 trillion - more than $2 billion a day.
Religious and moral texts are clear that making policy that does not protect the rights of
the poor and puts the cause of the wealthy first is evil and wrong.
Isaiah 10 says, “Woe to those who legislate evil, who make unjust laws to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed.”
Jeremiah 22 reminds us, “Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor those who have been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the immigrant, the orphan, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.”
Matthew 25 tells us, "'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'”
"The best of you is he (or she) who is of most benefit to others." (Prophet Muhammad)
"If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way". (Gautama Buddha)
"Those who are beyond the dualities that arise from doubts, whose minds are engaged within, who are always busy working for the welfare of all living beings and who are free from all sins achieves liberation." Sri Krishna in the Gita.
Indeed, the first governing principle of the US Constitution is to establish justice.
If we do not want to enable this wrongdoing, we must speak out and stand up against it.
This is why the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is organizing across the nation: to reveal these injustices, change the narrative, and build our power.
The Spirit of America Walk...To End Poverty