lone voice, steady drum

Downtown Roanoke, Williamson Road, just past noon — red light hanging overhead, the world paused for a breath.

And there she is.

One woman, one handmade sign, one American flag, standing at the corner like a lighthouse. Yellow board with words inked bold:

“RISE UP — CHANGE COURSE OF HISTORY — EVERYDAY PPL LIKE YOU + ME”

I do not know her name, but I know her rhythm. If I’m not mistaken, she’s led before — chants at the protests I’ve been to. A voice strong and sure, one we all follow when our own get tired. Today she stands alone, but not quietly. This is not silence — it’s signal.

People pass in cars, in buses, on foot. Some honk, some stare, some don’t see her at all. But she’s out there anyway, carrying her sign and flag, with the steady kind of presence that says: “I’m not here for the crowd. I’m here for the cause.”

You don’t always need thousands to start change. Sometimes one voice is the ember.
She’s awesome.

#Roanoke #EverydayHero #Protest