Liberty University’s Standing for Freedom Center held its fifth annual Freedom Uncensored Conference Oct. 23-24 in The Champion Center around the theme, “America is Worth Saving.”
The conference began with worship led by members of the Liberty Worship Collective.
Keynote speakers included Chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA Erika Kirk, former athlete and activist Riley Gaines and Vice President of Communications & Public Engagement at Liberty and Founding Executive Director of the Standing for Freedom Center Ryan Helfenbein.
After an interview with Helfenbein and Kirk, Liberty University President Dondi Costin presented Kirk with an honorary doctorate of humanities, the same honor given to her late husband, Charlie Kirk, in 2019.
Other speakers included American actress Leigh-Allyn Baker, former Green Beret and Virginia Delegate Nick Freitas and political commentator Isabel Brown.
Director of Outreach for The White Rose Resistance AJ Hurley addressed why godly men are critical for improving culture. Hurley spoke to young men about pursuing the Lord first before all else.
“Make Christ the master of your life, then find a mission that God has for you in life and then try and find a wife to meet you in that mission,” Hurley said.
The conference also featured a Generation Z panel that discussed how young people can impact culture.
Liberty alumnus and Standing for Freedom Center Communications Specialist Grant May was one of the panelists. May said the younger generation needs to get involved.
“America is worth saving,” May said. “And it won’t be saved by sitting on the sidelines and passively accepting the destruction of your home.”
Senior Richard Gathje said it is important for the next generation to vote.
“If we have full attendance by students in our election system, we can put in place what we want our future to be like,” Gathje said.
Freshman Gavin Hughes said current conservative issues will affect the next generation.
“I believe the biggest issue that they’re going to be addressing tonight is the radical shift online of many young people like my age,” Hughes said.
Freshman Ava Perdew said the conference impacted her.
“The conference shed light on the actual condition of America and emphasized our responsibility to preserve our freedoms,” Perdew said. “My favorite part was the way they highlighted the connection between family and the future of our nation.”
For more details about the event, visit the Standing for Freedom Center website.
Senes and Gathje are news editors for The Liberty Champion.
Potts is a news reporter for The Liberty Champion.