To the babies of the land, the children whose ancestors dreamt of opportunity, do you know who you are? Do you feel free?
To be South Sudanese is to recognize the duality in the human experience. We are many things at once, some hidden and others plastered on walls. To be South Sudanese is to understand that labels don’t define. While in their nature to decode and articulate, labels themselves could never encapsulate such diversity. Being South Sudanese is about challenging narratives, for your story of grit, grace, hope, and heartache is controlled by you alone.
We write our story every day that we show up as ourselves. To all the South Sudanese children, both in the diaspora and among the homeland, no one can do it quite like you.
And to the heart of Junub, the faces who once fought to be seen, I have some truths to share. If my arms could wrap around you with the warmth and intention of our grandparents, I would speak these words and pray they pull you in.
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Your crown is more than just material.
It’s the belief that we are called to be set apart. From the striking features of our people to the treasured biodiversity of our land, Junub has always been royalty. Your crown is physical, because we have a belief in greatness, but it’s also metaphorical for we are favored at its simplest. Your crown solidifies your freedom, because after years of strife you are the victor.
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Your identity lies in God.
You may have the slender legs that take over a runway or the impeccable height that dominates on the court. You may have silky smooth skin that knows nothing of body hair or a gap in your teeth culture says is a beauty standard. But your value could never be reduced to just a feature. When all the world can see are the characteristics that stand out, you must remember He first defined you, and in his image we are not simple.
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The culture already belongs to you.
You don’t have to work for it; you just have to embrace it. As one of the most displaced peoples in the world, it can feel heavy to carry more than one identity. However, Junub culture is already in you. Whether you’ve moved to the isolated areas of Australia or you’re located among the hills in the United Kingdom, your birthright is your culture. To be born or raised away from the continent will never deny you that right; so celebrate what’s yours.
To the children of the diaspora, stand tall. Stand in remembrance of our ancestors. They fought decade after decade, went against an entire regime, and remained firm in their identity. Albeit a displaced people, we celebrate our culture not simply because it’s innate but more powerfully because opportunity for us was left dormant for far too long.
We’ll live to tell our grandchildren of the chance we had to be free. We’ll return home and pay homage to our elders who carried us. We’ll rebuild our nation, holding tight the lives of those we lost and birthing new creations that glorify Junub, Sudan. Through time, may our pride speak louder than the doubt.