Expression seems to be the human right that everyone demands; if it supressed, people cannot, or believe they cannot accurately and appropriately exist as humans.

Visiting Regina Mundi Church, the sight of protests in Soweto against apartheid, reinforced any idea I had about the essential human right being the freedom of speech. I was completely blown away by what the supression of that right ignites in a population. Students using their voices inspired a new level of involvement and awareness of the oppression of apartheid in the 1970s.

We visited the Hector Pietersen Museum today, also, which is dedicated to a single 13 year old boy who was victimized by the Soweto Massacre. I found myself asking why a museum was dedicated to a single 13 year old boy? Why not ANC leaders?

The only understanding that I could conclude is that children are the future. In 1976 when the White South African government supressed the expression of students, in a way, the government was destroying a hope for the black South Africans. The beauty of children, and especially students, is the innocent inquisition that dominates each of their minds.

The impact of June 16, 1976 still is obviously felt in South Africa as now it is commemorated as National Youth Day. This fervent passion that inspired revolt against apartheid is so important, the youth had and still have a voice; the power for change and self-expression lives within each one and it is simply breading that passion and expression that is important. As Nelson Mandela once said, and I paraphrase, you need education to know your rights and with that you can finally speak up for your rights. South Africa is teaching me this powerful lesson of education and our travels and experiences today simply reinforce the power of education and preservation of our voices to express our rights.

Happy Africa!