“Building a Great Army of Change” - Darren “Freedom” Green on COVID-19, Activism’s Psychological Tolls, and Self-Care

We all face barriers on our journeys to change. During an Organizing Stories Q&A session, Darren “Freedom” Green gave us unique insight into the less-glamorous aspects of being an activist, community organizer, and mayoral candidate.

“You will always be psychologically impacted by what has transpired.” ––Darren “Freedom” Green

Trenton has been grappling with a pandemic long before COVID-19 such as poverty, poor infrastructure, and brain drain. Having such an intimate understanding of the interconnected nature of what’s impacting your community can certainly take its toll on you. This is why Green encourages us to rejoice even even the smallest of victories while appreciating the relationships we have. Community sustains those doing activist work, especially when it gets discouraging. Green notes that “If your team is not like you, you will carry the burden by yourself.” Mentorship is essential, so we need to continuously contribute from and leverage the knowledge that innately exists in everyone around us. True activism is never done alone.

“Mentorship is absolutely essential to building a great army of change.” ––Darren “Freedom” Green

Thankfully, Darren also offered some words of advice on how to practice self-care as an activist dedicated to public service, or anyone looking for some consolation when the going gets tough. First and foremost, Green vehemently encourages you to read everything James Baldwin ever wrote. He especially shouted out The Fire Next Time, so be sure to check that out! He lives by Audre Lorde’s observation that taking care of yourself is an act of warfare. For many of the minority population residing in Trenton, this cannot be more true. Darren personally reserves his Sunday’s as his self-care day. He goes for a nice run and doesn’t force himself to respond to emails or texts. This boundary enables him to protect his energy while resting to avoid emotional and psychological fatigue. Green cautions that the problems your community can remain with you because you care; you mustn't let it consume you. He even likes to lay in bed and watch law and order marathons to find fortitude.

Ask yourself what ways you can tend to your right to relax. In some capacity, we are all revolutionaries. But, we must also retreat so we can be fully present within the world we’re working on. Don’t be afraid to take a step back and breathe!