Homepage Quotes
George Washington

"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter,"

Thomas Jefferson

"Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. education & free discussion are the antidotes of both."

James Madison

"A well-instructed people alone can be permanently a free people."

Patrick Henry

"Give me liberty or give me death."

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.”

George Mason

“The freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty. And can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

“We came equals into this world, and equals shall we go out of it.”

To redefine freedom means to revisit, reinterpret, and expand the meaning of freedom in a way that resonates with the present and future,

addressing contemporary challenges while honoring foundational principles. It involves asking critical questions about what freedom means, who it serves, and how it can be actualized equitably in a rapidly changing society. In short, redefining freedom isn’t about discarding past ideals but expanding and evolving them to ensure they are inclusive, just, and meaningful in our current American reality. "

~Sophia A. Nelson Founder & Chairman of the Board 

Sophia Nelson
Red watercolor paint brush strokes on a transparent background.

Meet Our Chairman & Founder

Sophia A. Nelson, Esq.

Sophia A. Nelson is a force of nature—an award-winning author, journalist, businesswoman, and thought leader who has spent her career at the crossroads of law, politics, culture, and personal transformation. She is also the founder and chairman of The Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia, a bold and visionary 501(c)(3) dedicated to one of the most urgent missions of our time: to restore, reimagine, and expand the American promise of freedom for all. The Center’s work bridges racial, socio-economic, and cultural divides through dialogue, partnerships, programs, and non-political policy advocacy.

OUR MISSION

To reimagine, expand, and engage in a bold, inclusive conversation about American freedom—rooted in the founding principles of 1776, but responsive to the realities of today. The center will serve as a bridge, bringing together diverse voices to explore what it means to have, share, and protect freedom in an era of deep division and change.

FIVE PILLARS OF FREEDOM

5 PIllars
FREEDOM AS COLLECTIVE WELL-BEING
FREEDOM AS COLLECTIVE WELL-BEING

Recognizing that true freedom isn’t just about personal rights but also about creating conditions where communities can thrive collectively—ensuring safety, dignity, and opportunity for all.

FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY
FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

Balancing the right to individual autonomy with the responsibility to contribute to the common good and uphold shared values.

FREEDOM IS ROOTED IN DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY
FREEDOM IS ROOTED IN DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY

Reframing freedom as a unifying concept that bridges divides—political, cultural, or socioeconomic—by focusing on shared aspirations rather than what separates us.

FREEDOM EVOLVES
FREEDOM EVOLVES

Acknowledging that freedom isn’t static; it must adapt to address issues like digital privacy, environmental sustainability, and economic inequality.

FREEDOM FROM FEAR
FREEDOM FROM FEAR

Going beyond legal definitions to include emotional and psychological dimensions of freedom, such as freedom from fear, violence, or oppression.