Before there were public address systems, speakers would stand in a field and deliver their message one sentence at a time.
Others, standing on tree stumps just within earshot, would repeat each sentence to the crowd around them. Those listeners would hear the message one line at a time, allowing a single speaker to reach tens of thousands of people through these “stump speakers.”
Thanks to Kurt Loudenback I had the opportunity to experience something remarkably similar at Grand Prairie Foods in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Nearly 200 employees from two shifts gathered in the warehouse to hear me speak—but most did not speak my language.
They are new Americans from all over the world, representing many different languages and cultures.
So, interpreters stood among small groups throughout the crowd. I would speak one sentence, then pause as a quiet chorus of interpreters repeated my words to those around them. Sentence by sentence, “America’s Story” spread across the room.
Together, we reflected on both the promise of this country and the responsibility that comes with it—things many of us have come to take for granted.
Watching expressions of hope and optimism spread through the crowd was deeply moving.
A long time ago, someone told this same story to my ancestors. I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunities they were given and for the sacrifices that made it possible for me to stand there and tell that story to others.
I’m grateful that the story continues. 💖
https://grandprairiefoods.com/
