The Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences was honored to host a remarkable speaker, Golbon Rose Marandiz, who shared her compelling journey from Iran to the United States with students through the Dissident Project. Ms. Marandiz’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the transformative power of using one’s voice for empowerment. Born and raised in Iran, Ms. Marandiz and her family experienced the many challenges of living under regime that prohibited free expression, particularly for women, religious minorities, and marginalized groups. In her speech, she reflected on the oppressive environment her family grew up in, where basic freedoms like speech, religion, and gender equality were severely restricted. Despite these challenges, she was determined to fight for a better life, not just for herself or her family, but for those who could not speak out.
Her journey took her from, Iran to Türkiye, where she faced new struggles as a refugee, and eventually to the United States, where she found the freedom to embrace her identity. She spoke to the students about how these experiences shaped her understanding of the importance of free speech, equality, and justice. In the U.S., she was able to voice her beliefs without fear of retribution.
Through her involvement with political activism and protests, Ms. Marandiz worked relentlessly to challenge the system that sought to silence voices like hers. She met with politicians, participated in movements for human rights, and advocated for the fundamental right of every person to speak their truth. Her acts of defiance were not just personal victories, but steps toward a larger cause: the belief that every voice, regardless of background, religion, race, or gender should be heard.
The heart of Ms. Marandiz’s message to the Barnesville students was about empowerment. How to use their voices to stand up for what is right, advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to not take for granted the freedoms they enjoy. She reminded them that their voices have power, and that in a world where many fight for basic rights, speaking out can lead to meaningful change.
In a time when the world faces ongoing political and social struggles, Ms. Marandiz's story resonated deeply with the students. Her words served as a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, the responsibility to protect it, and the transformative impact of speaking out for justice.
By sharing her incredible story, Ms. Marandiz left the Barnesville students with a call to action: to be advocates for change, to use their voices to make a difference, and to recognize the privileges they hold in a world where many are still fighting for their fundamental rights. Her visit through the Dissident Project was not just a lecture, but an invitation to take part in the global movement toward the protection of human rights.