On Tuesday, September 14, 2004, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Bar Association kicked off its statewide celebration of "I Signed the Constitution", with a wonderful program highlighted by a patriotic medlay from the choral group at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and speeches by NCC CEO Ric Stengel, PBA President Mike Reed, PBA LRE Co-Chairs Judge Linda Miller and Lou Teti, Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge and former state Attorney General Mike Fisher and Philadelphia School District CEO Paul Vallas. But the star of the show was Norristown High School senior Tenuke Oyefule who inspired the nearly 250 young people and adults present with her thoughtful words.

"Free To Make A Difference" Speech

Tinuke C. Oyefule

Presented to the PA Bar Association and Philadelphia students at the National Convention Center

When Ralph Waldo Emerson stated:

“This time like all times is a very good one if we know but what to do with it.” it was not the year 2004, and six weeks away from a Presidential election- like it is today. He may not have been standing in a city like Philadelphia- a city where an insurmountable wealth of knowledge can be obtained if one knows but where to look for it- like we are today. Nor was he standing in front of over 200 bright-eyed, promising youth- as we are today. We have not met here by chance or coincidence. But if given the chance to speak and be heard how many of us would actually take advantage of such an opportunity? Now is the time for us, America’s youth, to take advantage of our freedom of speech and to make a positive difference in our communities.

The Declaration of Independence tells us that we are a free people: free to make positive contributions to our communities; free to regulate or change the political arena through voting; and free to dream of improving our society with what changes we see fit. After all, our predecessors were dreamers as well. They dared to make a difference and were not simply silenced by the naysayers. They established the goal of achieving “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” for all and were not swayed by those who did not believe that their cause was a just one.

Such liberties were not obtained easily, however. Our forefathers fought with untiring energy in order for us to have the rights that we have today as Americans: one of which is the right to vote. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 21% of registered voters were “too busy” to place their ballot in the 2000 Presidential election, and one could conclude that this percentage may have been ignorant of how effective their votes could have been. The Greek word idiote, which in essence describes “one who does not participate in public life and in turn does not vote”, holds a close relationship to the term idiot in the English language. Now I would not be so bold as to say that these individuals were “idiots”, but I will say that thousands of individuals sacrificed their lives in order to give all Americans this right. The right to vote in a Presidential election at age 18 is not only a right, but an opportunity and we as youth are lucky to be living in a time where all votes, whether cast by a 19-year-old democrat or a 52-year-old republican, are equally viewed.

At this point many of you may be thinking “I’m just one person. I’ too young to vote, and I can’t make a difference in my community. And even if I did have something to say, who would listen?” Such questions can only be answered by our actions, and I am sure that many of you have heard the statement “Actions speak louder than words”.

As the future leaders of this American society we must set a standard within our own communities and advance from there. Our communities need our efforts in order for this country to continue to thrive. Take small steps like joining your school’s student council if you have not done so already. Become active in your own neighborhoods by donating time to community service projects. And if you are of voting age exercise your right as an American citizen to vote in this upcoming election.

The checks and balances of our U.S. Constitution were established in this very city over 200 years ago. Our constitution created a system do that “we the people” are forever granted final say. We as Americans are free to exercise our right to be heard, and we cannot be deterred from our goals in the face of adversity. We as Americans are free to vote against politicians who do not represent our views in society, we as Americans are free to be dreamers and believers and to pursue change for a better future, and we as Americans are free to make a difference.