Mustafa Santiago Ali
Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali is the Executive Vice President of Conservation & Justice for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), former Interim Chief of Programs at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), and Instructor at American University. He is the Founder and CEO of Revitalization Strategies. He also serves as a commissioner for The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS). He is an award-winning writer and poet focused on social justice. Dr. Ali is frequently seen on television, including appearances on MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, VICE, FUSE, BET, National Geographic, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and Democracy NOW! Mustafa is also a regular guest on Roland Martin Unfiltered, Black News Channel, Tavis Smiley Show, The Dean Obeidallah Show, and many others…
Editor's Note: This poem is the 52nd in our Democracy and Hope Series. This series will highlight hopeful aspects about our Democracy using various genres including poems, interviews, short stories, and articles about political events.
One hundred years ago, a seed was sown, In red Georgia soil, where hope had grown thin. A man born not for fame’s cruel light, But for the quiet work of doing right.
Farmer, soldier, a builder of homes, He tilled the land where others roamed. Not seeking power with fists held high, But with hands outstretched, he touched the sky.
Jimmy Carter, who led with grace, Saw the cracks in our fragile space. He didn’t mend with lies or fear, But filled them with truth, made vision clear.
He spoke to nations with a gentle hum, Words like balm, where anger had come. He believed in peace, the softer way, And in love that grows as we give it away.
One hundred years, and here we stand, Honoring a man who worked the land, Not just with plow, but with his soul, Planting seeds to make us whole.
A leader who chose the least of these, Turning from power’s empty breeze. He walked with the poor, the humble, the small, Reminding us, we rise when we lift all.
In war’s dark shadow, he chose the light, Winning peace with quiet might. His legacy stands, not in a crown, But in homes built where none were found.
Jimmy Carter, you wore humility proud, Lifted our hearts while refusing the crowd. You taught us that love is the strongest shield, And in service, the greatest power is revealed.
Now as we reflect on your century long, We sing the echoes of your song. Not just with words, but with what we do, Living the truths you held so true.
Happy birthday, Jimmy, your work still rings, Through the lives you've touched, in simple things. We honor you not by the name we say, But by living your legacy every day.
©️MustafaSantiagoAli
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