Freedom Worth Celebrating, Hope Worth Sharing
Every July, Americans gather to celebrate one of our nation’s greatest blessings: FREEDOM. We fly flags, gather with family and friends, and watch fireworks light up the sky as we remember the sacrifices made to secure and protect our liberty. This July 4th, our 250th Independence Day, is a reminder that freedom is precious and worth celebrating.
For me, however, the Fourth of July is also a time to think about my friends in Haiti. Forty years ago, I took my first trip to Haiti with my dad, and I knew I would never be the same. The people, the culture, and the needs I witnessed reshaped my heart and helped set the course of my life. In 2004, Audio Adrenaline—a band I was honored to lead—founded Hands & Feet Project, turning that burden into a lifelong journey alongside the people of Haiti.
As Americans celebrate freedom this month, I find myself reflecting on what freedom truly means—not just politically, but personally. Freedom is more than independence. It is the opportunity to flourish. It is access to education, healthcare, safety, meaningful work, and the ability to dream about a better future for our families. Many of us in the United States experience these freedoms so naturally that we rarely stop to consider what a gift they truly are. Over the years, I have witnessed both the incredible resilience of the Haitian people and the immense challenges they face every day. Many are still fighting for the freedom to flourish.
Haiti’s story is both inspiring and heartbreaking. It was the first independent Black republic in the world, born from a courageous fight for freedom. Yet generations of political instability, economic hardship, natural disasters, and systemic challenges have created burdens that continue to affect millions of Haitians today.
But when I think of Haiti, I don’t think first about its problems. I think about its people. I think about children who laugh and dream despite difficult circumstances. I think about parents working tirelessly to provide for their families. I think about pastors, teachers, caregivers, and community leaders who faithfully serve others every day. I think about the remarkable strength and faith that I have witnessed time and time again.
One of the greatest lessons Haiti has taught me is that hope is powerful.
At Hands and Feet Project, we’ve seen lives transformed when children are given opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. We’ve watched hope take root when families find support and when communities come together to care for one another. Real change often begins with something simple: believing that every person has God-given value and every child deserves a fighting chance.
This July, as we celebrate America’s freedom, I encourage you to celebrate our 250th with all your heart. Enjoy it. Be proud. But please take a moment to pray for Haiti. Pray for peace, stability, and opportunity. Pray for children who deserve a brighter future. Pray for leaders who will serve with wisdom and integrity. And pray for the countless people working every day to bring hope to their communities.
Freedom is a gift, and one of the best ways we can honor that gift is by using it to serve others. As we give thanks for the liberties we enjoy, may we also remember those who continue to face challenges beyond our borders.
As a founder, I am deeply grateful that six months into 2026, with our new Executive Director, our mission continues to advance with grit and growth as we serve vulnerable children and families. My hope for Haiti remains strong. I believe that brighter days are ahead because I have faith in the steadfastness of the Haitian people and in a God who specializes in bringing hope and restoration.
This Independence Day, may we celebrate our freedom with grateful hearts and extend that gratitude through compassion, prayer, and action.
This is how we fortify our work!