(Written in 2019, Revised in 2025)
No matter how powerful we become,
how high we rise,
how influential we are,
how much fame we command,
or how much wealth we possess—
WE ARE HUMAN FIRST.
No matter our titles,
our positions,
our academic credentials,
our knowledge,
our politics,
our ideology,
our religion,
our culture,
or our social standing—
WE ARE HUMAN FIRST.
Whether old or young,
man or woman,
rich or poor,
educated or uneducated,
strong or weak,
able or disabled,
Black or white,
majority or minority,
Christian or Muslim—
WE ARE HUMAN FIRST.
And because WE ARE HUMAN FIRST,
we deserve love,
respect,
dignity,
justice,
equal opportunity,
and the fundamental liberty
to live without fear, hatred,
exclusion, or oppression.
We are but mortal travelers
on this troubled journey called life.
From mortality to
Immortality,
Is the fate we
Shall all face unavoidably.
And leave behind
our wealth, our titles,
our positions, and our power.
WE ARE HUMAN FIRST.
Therefore, let every person
have a fair chance to dream,
to learn,
to work,
to create,
to explore,
to discover,
to unleash God-given talents,
and to fulfill their potential.
And those entrusted with power
must exercise it with humility,
compassion, love, justice,
and respect for human dignity.
For power is temporary.
Position is temporary.
Wealth is temporary.
But the humanity we show others
may become our lasting legacy.
WE ARE HUMAN FIRST.
Let us never hate, exclude,
dehumanize, or impoverish others
because of our differences.
Our politics may differ.
Our beliefs may differ.
Our cultures may differ.
Our religion may differ.
But our humanity remains the same.
So let humanity prevail.
Let compassion prevail.
Let justice prevail.
Let love prevail.
For before we are powerful,
we are human.
Before we are rich,
we are human.
Before we are leaders,
we are human.
Before we are anything else—
WE ARE HUMAN FIRST.
And we are equally, beautifully,
and magnificently created
in the image of God Almighty.
ABOVE ALL ELSE,
NO MATTER WHO WE ARE,
WE ARE HUMAN FIRST.
