Do not go gentle into that good night

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

I woke up on my birthday to find myself living in a new country. Not new, perhaps, but the same one we have always had. I woke up on my birthday knowing I would have to face my students, with their fearful, uncertain expressions, and try to make things better. They shared their feelings, created art, and spent the day together, in each other's trustworthy and comforting presence. I brought their art to the anti-Trump protest in Downtown Oakland that same day, handed their pieces out to the community, and spent the rest of the night documenting the community practice their free speech. I'm uncertain about so much the future will bring, but as uncertain as I am, I am just as hopeful about the potential of my students and community.

Dreams and reality are opposites. Action synthesizes them.

ASSATA SHAKUR