John,
Sometimes, all it takes to spark a revolution is the actions of someone who has just had enough.
I was a pastor and a father, no different than any other citizen. I was trying to put food on the table, but at some point, it became impossible.
I got fed up and posted a short video to Facebook. I spoke about the unjust treatment that I and my fellow citizens were enduring at the hands of their government. I talked about freedom and a head of state who was accountable to the people — all things that Zimbabwe had long since deserted.
But I didn’t think much of it until the video started trending, and I wasn’t prepared for what happened next…
I’m Evan Mawarire, a speaker with the Dissident Project. Dissident Project speakers travel to high schools around the country to help the next generation appreciate the freedom they have in this country and warn them about the dangers of socialism and authoritarianism.
But before I tell you more about my story, I have to ask you to consider supporting the Dissident Project with a quick donation of $10, $35, or even $50 today.
People all over the country watched my video and realized they felt the same way I did. I didn’t know it at the time, but I had sparked a revolution.
I organized a sit-in strike in an attempt to organize peaceful protests, even though gathering in large numbers was illegal in my country. On that day, we shut down commerce in Zimbabwe completely.
But it was not without a cost. The authorities arrested me and had me tortured.
They tried to prosecute me on faulty charges of treason. Luckily, my countrymen flocked to my aide and protested the injustice, leading to my release. I escaped the country the next day and settled in America.
In my absence, Robert Mugabe, the dictator who has ruled my country with an iron will for over 40 years, declared me an enemy of Zimbabwe and made it clear that he would have me arrested if I ever returned.
Hearing your name spoken by a man like that sends chills down your spine.
Even though I escaped, I struggled with the reality of what fleeing tyranny like that meant for democracy. Democracy is not something that you have. It is something you do. I did not truly have it in America because my home was not free. I felt called to go and show them the way.
Just like how the Dissident Project is showing the value of freedom to students across the country. Before I finish my story, I have to ask you one more time to please consider providing an urgent donation to the Dissident Project today >>
Saying goodbye to my family and going back was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But I returned to Zimbabwe six months later, and I was arrested the minute I stepped off the plane and jailed in the notorious Chikurubi maximum security prison.
For the next three years, I fought to establish democracy in Zimbabwe, enduring multiple stints in prison, torture, and constant surveillance by the corrupt government.
Finally, my group took part in the protest that led to the resignation of Robert Mugabe. The people had seen that they held the power. And they had felt what it is like to work as one. It was inspiring!
I returned to America to raise my family, but I have also continued to spread the message of liberty and advocate for action.
That’s one of the reasons I joined the Dissident Project. Speaking to students directly is one of the best ways to teach the next generation how valuable our freedom is in America.
Nothing of value comes without sacrifice. Every freedom we have in the United States was bought and paid for by somebody.
If you and I do not continue to protect it, we will have to pay that price someday.
Your generous gift helps speakers like me share our experiences with the next generation. Please click below to donate today.
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Thank you,
Evan Mawarire
The Dissident Project is a program of Young Voices, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged via email receipt. Donations made to the Dissident Project will be spent exclusively on that program.