Pastor Corey Brooks’ Walk Across America Highlights Rising Courage and Independent Thought in 2026
ATHENS, Ga. — Pastor Corey Brooks, founder of Project H.O.O.D., has trekked from New York to Georgia on his ambitious Walk Across America, a journey aimed at raising funds for leadership and economic opportunity programs in Chicago. Along the way, Brooks has observed a powerful cultural shift: Americans increasingly embracing individual thought and courageously speaking out against prevailing narratives.
Brooks’ reflections come as the nation prepares to enter 2026, a year he hopes will be marked by more citizens standing up for their beliefs rooted in truth and Judeo-Christian values. In a recent commentary, Brooks noted that despite fierce backlash faced by many who voice dissenting opinions—from hip-hop artists to everyday Americans—there is a growing hunger for authenticity and a rejection of groupthink.
He cited examples such as actress Justine Bateman challenging political orthodoxies in California, rapper Azealia Banks vocally defending Israel, and Nicki Minaj confronting mainstream narratives on faith and family values. These figures, Brooks argues, exemplify a broader awakening. “People are tired of being told what to think, tired of being lied to, and they’re ready to think for themselves,” he said.
Brooks’ journey also brought him into contact with Wenyuan Wu, executive director of the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation, who joined him during the walk in Athens. Wu, an immigrant and advocate for merit-based policies and parental rights, embodies the spirit of individual freedom Brooks champions. Her commitment to equal rights and faith underscores the pastor’s belief that true freedom begins in the mind, a gift from God that empowers each person to reason, question, and seek truth.
This perspective aligns with teachings found in Proverbs 23:7, which Brooks referenced: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” He emphasized that America’s strength lies in its diversity of thought and the courage to stand firm in one’s convictions.
Brooks’ walk and message resonate amid a broader national conversation about free speech and ideological diversity. The American Civil Liberties Union has long advocated for protecting individuals’ rights to express dissenting views without fear of censorship or retaliation. Meanwhile, government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security continue to monitor threats to civil liberties while balancing security concerns.
As Brooks approaches the end of his journey, he calls on Americans to make 2026 a year of courage and conviction. “We must form opinions based on truth, stand up for what’s right, and reject the pressures of conformity,” he said. His walk across America is not only a physical endeavor but a symbolic testament to the enduring power of faith and free thought in shaping the nation’s future.
For more on the importance of individual rights and free expression, see the U.S. Department of Justice resources on civil rights protections. Brooks’ experience underscores a hopeful vision: that despite challenges, America’s foundational principles continue to inspire a new generation to speak out and think independently.
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