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Ben Jealous Advocates for Unity and Hope in Montpelier Talk
Montpelier, VT – Renowned civil rights and environmental advocate Ben Jealous delivered an inspiring message in Vermont on December 8, 2024, emphasizing the importance of resilience and collaboration in tackling the challenges of today’s political landscape. Speaking at an event hosted by the Vermont chapter of the Sierra Club, Jealous, who made history as the youngest president of the NAACP and the first person of color to lead the Sierra Club, shared insights from his memoir, Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing.
Reflecting on his lineage, which connects him to both Robert E. Lee and a former enslaved individual, Jealous expressed a deep commitment to social justice and environmentalism. His tenure in high-profile political roles, including as a supporter of Bernie Sanders in his presidential campaigns, has underscored his dedication to advocating for those affected by socio-economic issues. Jealous criticized the Democratic establishment, particularly Kamala Harris’s campaign, for neglecting the economic concerns that resonate with everyday Americans, echoing themes central to Sanders’s message.
Jealous also stressed the necessity of cooperating with those holding differing views, sharing experiences of working alongside conservative senators to promote environmental policies. He highlighted the philosophy imparted by his grandmother, distinguishing between pessimism and optimism: while pessimists may predict outcomes accurately, it is the optimists who ultimately prevail.
In a personal letter to his young family members, Jealous imparted the wisdom of resilience, encouraging them to fight for their rights while drawing strength from their ancestral legacy. As he concluded, "Hope is a discipline," a reminder that perseverance and determination can lead to triumph in even the toughest circumstances.
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Photo credit vtdigger.org
