Photo by Chris F:pexels.com
There’s this meme with a man standing up, as though he’s about to speak out against something negatively affecting his community. Social handles use it when they aren’t afraid to say, “there’s an elephant in the room, we must address the issue.”They are not afraid to Let ‘Em Know because they have and know their First Amendment rights … FREEDOM OF SPEECH-
Painting By Norman Rockwell
This painting, Freedom of Speech, was crafted in 1943 by Norman Rockwell on oil canvas in the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This is one of four pieces stemming from his collection entitled the Four Freedoms. Mr Rockwell’s inspiration resulted from President Roosevelt’s speech, The Four Freedoms. presented during his State of the Union address to Congress on January 6, 1941. The four freedoms President Roosevelt described include: the freedom of speech, the freedom to worship(both already included in the Constitution), the freedom to want, and the freedom to fear ( both were integrated in March of 1942). The Norman Rockwell series is currently being used in many forms to promote, encourage, and dismantle communities around the country.
What is not considered Freedom of speech:
To incite imminent lawless action. Brandenburg v. Ohio, 395 U.S. 444 (1969).
To make or distribute obscene materials. Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476 (1957).
To burn draft cards as an anti-war protest. United States v. O’Brien, 391 U.S. 367 (1968).
To permit students to print articles in a school newspaper over the objections of the school administration. Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
Of students to make an obscene speech at a school-sponsored event. Bethel School District #43 v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
Of students to advocate illegal drug use at a school-sponsored event. Morse v. Frederick, __ U.S. __ (2007).
Something is intriguing about this list, in 2025 into 2026, it appears these laws have become weakened for people who have the funds to be above the “law”.
Opposition apprised on the working man/woman/person to speak out against fascism , authoritarianism, totalitarianism, or injustice; receive unwelcome treatment. In Minnesota, they are, ‘Lettin ‘Em Know’, they no longer want to be subjected to harmful tactics by masked law enforcement. The protesters, using CIA tactics and their voice, are not lying down and taking it, they aren’t giving in. Another group of protesters, also in Minneapolis were arrested for protesting in a church because information led them to the pastor, who was a delegate of ICE guardian reported. These three individuals, Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly, were Lettin ‘Em know what was happening in their community by any means necessary, even if it’s disrupting service; John Lewis would say that’s making ‘Good Trouble’.
Free speech has always reigned supreme; is that the problem?
History says no, that’s the number one freedom the founding fathers put in place. The pressure of staying silent against what is hindering progress for the people. Generation after generation has spoken their views on what society is going through. The one connection is the freedom to freely express themselves in the way they see fit. Unfortunately, the freedoms are being limited in 2026, or were the freedoms only granted to its full extent for one particular group? And now in 2026, are those limitations unavoidable?
Freedom of speech is Lettin ‘Em Know, T.I reminds us to talk ya shit and sho’ who you are, ya betta let ‘em know. He says provided by genius:
“Big dog, all we get is bread, I ain't never scared
Big flex on a nigga head, what I'm standin' on?
Business, big check, we can dig that
Push 'em way back, better give me respect and some more”
Big flexing right now is not about money; it’s what side of history you own. Big flex is more than material; it’s pushing against the unequal pressure. Black and brown people have contributed to the global economy for centuries. Innovating in a biased system structured to keep people in mental poverty. Amidst all the accomplishments, minorities are not given their respect.
What is the outcome of manipulating freedom of speech for material gain?
Ask Mrs. Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, she has flipped faster than a pancake in a hot skillet and aligned with “her best interests”. She has chosen to exercise her right in a maladaptive manner. Verbalizing Don Lemon with scripted-like emotions in a blatant, disrespectful fashion, leaving behind a trail of misinformation, subjecting her followers to choose between their views and hers.
In every community, there’s
To come in and make situations worse, believing they are “doing right”. Especially when they have money, fame, or any recognition.
It doesn’t appear to be like this for everyone. Luda said I don’t want any smoke, expressing there was a “mix-up”, when he was showcased
on the roster for Rock the Country fest hosted by Kid Rock.
Who knows if Ludacris thought his followers were oblivious and would ignore his name appearing on a white-washed imitation of LL Cool J’s Rock the Bells festival. People have been known to misrepresent to get what they want. Then again? The important part is that he quickly acted when he heard the news of the response, adjusting his actions.
Did his actions change your perception? Or did it leave some doubt? Let us know in the comments
When community is loved, is the love returned?
In 2026, the answer claims the appearance should be difficult to navigate. Love is not a one-sided word; there must be reciprocation for love to flow freely. For some, love means there’s an absence of needs being met. Time and events guide the force toward what love is. The Outcome -they discover that love is not cruel, hateful, or bitter. Love is not malicious, backstabbing, or vindictive.
There are people around the United States and the world drawing a clear line in the sand of do unto others as you want done to yourself. New York’s new Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani is set out to treat everyone with dignity and respect. Talking his talk with his policies and actions. In return, the community has embraced, praised, and encouraged his actions, protecting his administration from outside influences, discrediting his every move. People will let ‘Em know - -like old FAFO if ya want to. Citizens know the power of freedom of speech, refuting misinformation and disinformation from the opposition. Globally, Australia legislatures passed a law limiting political donations to $50,000, setting a clear boundary against political interference. Virginia said, “What’s that, don’t leave us out “, electing their first Woman Governor, Mrs.Abigail Spanberger.
Politicians are not the only ones Letting Them Know some famous names are no longer feeling limited by their careers; speaking out with their dollars against injustices impacting people. Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, professionally known as Megan Thee Stallion, is building an empire and giving back through her Pete & Thomas foundation, providing food for families, becoming a Popeyes franchise owner, and distributing disaster relief funds to support families. MacKenzie Scott’s foundation, Yield Giving has donated a whopping 26.3 billion to 9 different charities and several HBCUs. The Ciara and Russell Wilson Why Not You foundation donated 3.5 million in total to the Children’s Hospital in New York in 2025. Paige Bueckers pledged $50,000 to the Hopkins Strong Relief Fund supporting her hometown school district. So many others are Lettin ‘Em know with their actions, with their leadership, with their commitment to moving forward for all. And the communities they represent don’t play about them.
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” — Dr Martin Luther King Jr
Thank you for reading, if you like this culture analysis subscribe, follow and don’t forget to like Cipher The Line.