But, based on my friendship with Evie as young mothers, I started

"But, based on my friendship with Evie as young mothers, I started going on freedom rides in 1966." These words by June Jordan offer a profound insight into the power of friendship and how it can be a catalyst for change. In the 1960s, a time of great social upheaval and civil rights movements, Jordan reflects on how her personal relationships, particularly her friendship with Evie, led her to become an active participant in the freedom rides—a movement that sought to challenge racial segregation and inequality. Jordan’s words underscore the idea that friendship can be a powerful force, one that inspires individuals to step into the larger world and take a stand for justice. It was through her bond with Evie—rooted in shared experiences as young mothers—that she found the strength to embark on this pivotal journey of activism and social change.

In the ancient world, the role of friendship was deeply intertwined with the pursuit of justice and virtue. Aristotle often spoke of the importance of friendship as a moral compass, one that not only provides emotional support but also encourages individuals to act in the best interests of the community. For Aristotle, friendship was not simply about personal connections, but about a shared commitment to virtue and the greater good. June Jordan’s reflection mirrors this ancient wisdom: her friendship with Evie was not just a source of support for motherhood but a bond that led her to participate in something much larger—a fight for justice. Through their connection, Jordan was drawn into a movement that was far beyond her personal experience, but that became her calling as she used her voice and actions to challenge societal injustices.

Consider the friendship between Socrates and Plato. Socrates, the great philosopher, was not merely a teacher, but a friend to his disciples, guiding them through the complexities of moral and intellectual life. His influence was profound, not just because of his teachings but because of his friendship—a bond that encouraged Plato and others to seek deeper truths, to question the status quo, and to take action in the world. Socrates showed his disciples how friendship could be a guide in times of moral uncertainty. Similarly, Jordan’s bond with Evie acted as a moral and emotional foundation that led her to take action for the greater good of society. It was in the strength of their shared experience that Jordan found the courage to challenge the social and political landscape of her time.

The freedom rides of the 1960s were pivotal in the fight for civil rights, where activists would travel to the Deep South to challenge the entrenched system of segregation. By sitting in racially segregated buses, they were directly challenging the very laws that perpetuated discrimination. What June Jordan shares with us is that this fight for justice wasn’t just a political or intellectual pursuit; it was one deeply rooted in personal connection. Through her friendship with Evie, Jordan was introduced to a movement that intertwined her personal experience as a mother with a broader social cause. She could not separate her friendship from the cause they were fighting for, as both were deeply tied to her values of equality and justice.

This notion of friendship leading to action is echoed in many of history's great movements. Consider the relationship between Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Parks’ act of defiance in 1955 by refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus catalyzed a larger movement for civil rights, but it was also deeply personal. Parks’ act was one of courage and conviction, and while it was her own choice, it was also inspired by the relationships and friendships she had built in the fight for racial equality. King’s leadership and Parks’ steadfastness were intertwined, and together they formed a partnership that not only changed history but demonstrated how friendship and shared purpose can lead to collective action.

Jordan’s experience reminds us that friendship can inspire us to take bold steps toward justice. Her friendship with Evie, while deeply personal, became a vehicle for societal change. It shows that sometimes, the smallest personal connections—such as the shared experience of motherhood or a close friendship—can be the starting point for transformational action. Friendship, when nurtured with shared values and a commitment to justice, becomes a powerful force in the world, one that propels individuals into movements that can change the course of history. It is a reminder that our personal relationships are not just about companionship but can serve as the foundation for action that extends far beyond ourselves.

The lesson from June Jordan’s words is clear: friendship can be a deeply transformative force, one that empowers individuals to step into roles of leadership and advocacy. Let us not underestimate the power of the bonds we form with others, for they may be the very catalyst for the change we wish to see in the world. Whether it is through shared experiences or mutual goals, friendship can inspire us to take action on behalf of the greater good. In our own lives, we must seek to cultivate friendships that encourage us to stand up for justice, that motivate us to reach beyond our personal spheres, and that help us build a better, more equitable world. By doing so, we honor not only the relationships we cherish but the causes that truly matter.