"So, Hi... I'm From South Sudan"

[@SheisB515]

"I've never had a dream because I've never slept" that hit me hard...

[@marinthegoedschalk7245]

Heartbreaking😢

[@SystemParanoia]

Black; a skin no matter the tears that have fallen on it still shines with it ✨ Beautiful Sending ❤️ from 🇬🇧 as a 🇯🇲

[@diego2112gaming]

I grew up in Sudan (before there was a South Sudan), in Darfur. This hits hard. Thank you for giving a voice to the situation. And Sunn, thanks for sharing this on your platform.

[@hocanyeosong]

such a beatiful but sad message free sudan, free palestine, free congo!!✊✊✊✊

[@Claribelle401]

The Arabs/Muslims are responsible for this atrocity. How can you say free Palestine?

[@Mr3keestylee]

@@Claribelle401 That's very simplistic and ignores centuries of colonisation - continuingvia arm sales, debt and resource exploitation - as well as patriarchal extremists using religious dogma - Islam, Christian, Judaism & others - to dominate other's lives.

[@carolynbell2270]

😢This is heart wrenching! Quite poignant! "I'm not known by my name...I'm known as a refugee".

[@unapologetic1407]

As a South Sudanese person residing in Canada, it warms my heart to know there’s someone out there that actually cares. The war has “ended” but it still haunts and affects our community to this day. I’ve been a long time supporter of you so I really appreciate you spreading awareness 🇸🇸❤️

[@stephaniebowser2630]

My brother, you ARE a journalist. You just proved it with your and your family's story. My prayers are with you and the people of your country. ADOS female (American Decedent's of Slavery)❤

[@Claribelle401]

You make no Damm sense. So ve still

[@stephaniebowser2630]

@@Claribelle401 OK genius. You couldn't even finish a sentence.

[@lmichelle80sbaby]

That's what I said as I was listening!! He definitely has a gift with communication. I hope he can see his way to actually living in his purpose!!

[@enicole1203]

I'm so discouraged by all the hurt in the world right now. Appreciation to this brother for articulating his story

[@WanderlustHomebody]

Thank you Sunn for bringing much awareness to this. ❤❤

[@TheTonibotes]

😢 I dream of the day when my continent is free of war. Africa is filled the most magnificent, diverse, warm, kind, and welcoming people who deserve better. You can't erase the history that lead us here, but we can raise the voices of people like John.

[@RHFactorat]

We cannot ever be reminded enough, that our humanity suffers.

[@kitm141]

John, you are a talented journalist. This was a perfect, touching piece of short form digital journalism. It’s nearly poetry. “I’ve never had a dream because I’ve never slept, I’m supposed to sleep on a floor of blood”. I will remember this forever.

[@karenl7786]

I have no words. The brother said it all 🙏🏽

[@gracegrrl007]

How beautifully tragic 💔 Thank you for sharing this man's story; I had no idea things were so bad in South Sudan or for refugees. John Choi Matiop, we'll remember your name. Thank you for sharing your story, as painful as it is.

[@VexVerity]

I now realize for the first time that I don’t know anything about South Sudan. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. That was beautiful. I’d call it haunting, but that doesn’t feel quite right for a piece all about the living. In any case, I know what I want to learn about next. Thank you.

[@johanoskarsson8209]

That was absolutely beautiful and heartwrenching.

[@misslady0075]

If only the BBC would report all the wars and not just whyte wars.

[@momain5483]

Thank you got sharing this. More people need to hear the voices of the real people who are suffering, not the twisted words of those who come to get a story, make their money and leave.

[@marinthegoedschalk7245]

Thank you for sharing what the world does not know....the colors of our flag represent our love for our country, parts of ourselves interwoven...❤ from Suriname South America, where we are mixed descendents of european, african, asian and indiginous.. 🇸🇷

[@n.anderson5938]

Powerful, thank you for sharing. ✊🙏

[@savvivixen8490]

Well said. I hope he accomplishes his journalism career soon. I wonder if he has some written works too. (I don't quite understand the shunning of refugees; if they spent all that time running and escaping the dangers of their homeland, what makes one think THEY are the danger???! They ran, because they'd rather live peacefully free than fight to the death... Even if you have lawless here and there among groups, what makes one think they can't be easily supressed in the more developed nations? [Plus, every nation ALREADY has their own lawless people; refugees often already push that percentage DOWN because they can't afford to be messing up an opportunity like that!] The developed world is working on a high tech distopia as it is; even REGULAR citizens can't do nothin! Plus, refugees have nothing to lose by making it to their destinations, and everything to lose if they are deported for ANY reason. I don't understand; help me understand) Edit: brackets

[@RevShifty]

My first mentor was a refugee, a Cambodian man who lost everything he ever knew to real horror. He took me under his wing and helped shape the person I am today. There hasn't been a single day since our first random conversation, almost 20 years ago now, where I don't think about him and reflect on the things he taught me. I won't ever knock a refugee. No one randomly decides to give up everything and everyone they've ever known to travel half the globe away without damn good reason, and that's good enough for me. This man deserves all the space to finally find some peace, and hopefully some warmth to let him know that some people care and continue hoping for the best. I was already aware of South Sudan, but hearing it in the worn voice of someone who has survived generations of the violence makes it hit a lot differently. Jesus.

[@savvivixen8490]

@@RevShifty Really, and truly... 😔 Thank you for sharing your experience with that marvelous someone going through similar circumstances. It's good to see others that can look at these humans and think "*people* temporarily in need" and not *just* "refugees."

[@tammygamble8313]

What a beautiful message. Peace and blessings to this young man ❤🙏🏾

[@SixOneNiner23]

Someone send this to those chosen fools

[@rylian21]

Thank you for sharing this, Professor. It's sometimes easy to lose track of events like this when there are so many happening in the world at the same time. Every once in a while, we need to be reminded.

[@free1855]

Thank you for sharing. Our Eastern Africa sub region has had refugees for so long. It almost feels like second nature. Our leaders seem to love war, conflict and division way too much.

[@peaceangel4192]

Such power in this message! John Choi Matiop- not only will we know and remember your name, we will say your name.

[@yuncelluz8709]

Deep Very Deep

[@cherishedoneofgod2046]

Thanks for being the eyes, ears, and voice of the less fortunate here and abroad. We can't allow ourselves to become distracted by the stories of only a certain few, while many others are suffering, as well.

[@vegasvalleymom6223]

😢❤Well said! Humanity has had enough wars, because we have more than enough for all. Lessons will return, if not learned.

[@ayates6333]

Peace, fellowship, and humanity.

[@k.c1126]

You are a poet, my brother.... Be blessed...

[@alicegauteng2358]

Dear John, I am hoping for you peace, love, and good health ❤️🙏🏽

[@GothicVioletVixen]

It's good to know, that all over the world, people still think alike. Spread love and peace, rather than war and fear/hate. I still don't understand why there are so many people that relish the fear and war. 😔 Or why, when even though we out number them, the hateful people seem like the majority. If I ever met you on the street, I would be honored to call you by your name. 🤝

[@darklightmotion5534]

This journalism, poetry, and cinematography combined.

[@thefirm4606]

From a child of refugees, I have seen your pain in my parents eyes. I wish you peace, in your lifetime friend ❤❤

[@lovelydaye6640]

Thank you for sharing this Sunn ❤. We're so invested in Palestine but are silent on this matter. It's not right.

[@briannamay5459]

How do we be united as one instead of divided when others only want to be hateful though? How do you unite with someone who actively hates you and thinks you're subhuman undeserving of rights?

[@jpm199]

The message is for them as well child, so that they may turn from hate to love

[@kitm141]

I’m sure your question was rhetorical, but it really touched me. How do you promote peace with people who think you are less than a person? I know you don’t do it by dedicating your life to educating people who reject you, constantly trying and trying to make them see you as human. I think all we can do is love as much as we can. See what we have in common instead of what divides us. Refuse to give in to the people who want to create division and spread discontent to feather their own pockets. And we live. We have to be alive to hope and to love. So we don’t give up. We take a little bit of the strength people like John have and we keep going, with the hope of a better future.

[@PokeNebula]

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

[@TdT2211]

​@@kitm141yes. Your message is not perfect, like our humanity but I also have the same question and keep going with a similar answer as yours. So, thanks for putting this out there. ❤

[@marethahoneyb1541]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@jpm199The message was not for them, he said we are divided by tribes….they will never turn from gate to Luv it isn’t in them to do so nor do they have anything to gain they have all the power all the control to control, humiliate n do at will what they want to their subjects

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

This is DEEP! Thank you, Sunn m'Cheaux, for sharing. ❤

[@lyricistdean]

😓😓😓😓😓

[@Melanie-xc4fi]

This needs to be shared more. What can we do about these plights? What's the solution?

[@lesliehunsinger7644]

He is a light 🕯️ I had the privilege of working with a man from that area, his whole family was split up for that same reason. He is one of the kindest people I have ever known, and I am lucky to know him and some of his family. I pray for peace.❤

[@elleshaw9837]

Thank you Sunn for keeping us enlightened, humble and honest. I appreciate the mirror.

[@TheShineri3]

A touching story. I really hate that in my homecountry (not canada, or america) the ppl here seem to dehumanize ppl who RUN AWAY from danger and terror. I've heard a couple of times "if that would happen to my country I would stand up and fight till I die" knowing exactly that that shit is not coming here and is one of the causing ideologies that stir up problems.

[@shreksvr123]

Powerful message. thanks for sharing

[@williamsmithers9490]

😢😢😢my heart hurt on this one, but.... There is hope, there will be Peace (Shalom), We will Be ONE! HALLELUYAH FOR HIS WORD IS TRUE. HANG IN THERE FAMILY! LOVE YOU!

[@Greenarchy]

Now I’m crying. Thank you for sharing

[@ecow1994]

My God. Prayers for this man, his family as well as the entire country.

[@SkyCloud-123]

♥️♥️♥️

[@bananabanana484]

Free Sudan, Free Palestine, Free Congo 🇸🇸🇵🇸🇨🇩

[@joeblack2809]

Gotta fight for it. Freedom ain’t free

[@joeblack2809]

@@FellowTraveler-tu1qv and an unfortunate consequence of freedom fighting are casualties and refugeeism. Many of which are civilians of all backgrounds

[@joeblack2809]

@@lysanamcmillan7972 when we start getting to the part about ACTUALLY fighting back and discussing logistics of such an act. First of which is provisions: food and water for both the freedom fighters and the refugees

[@angelmendez-rivera351]

@@joeblack2809 You still haven't said anything any of us don't know. We're waiting.

[@joeblack2809]

@@angelmendez-rivera351 actually I did smart ass the part where I said about people fighting and not knowing the cost of a 2-step assault. Do you know how much it would take? 👀

[@zeldaveeblefetzer3475]

Thank you, @sunnmcheaux, for sharing this. I wish there were more words to describe my emotions because they are such a tangle of anger, grief, love, and hope. There's more in my head and my heart, but the knot they they create makes it impossible to vocalize. I want so much to rid the world of greed and gluttony. And spread the love. Loving is so much easier than hate. I've had reason to hate individuals in my life, but to do so robs me and has no effect on them. But I feel the hate creeping in. Then I see a video like this one, or a man like Khaled, Reem's grandfather, and I find the strength to push the hate away. If only we could find a way to end the greed and gluttony of the colonizers and imperialists.

[@link1117]

Thank you for sharing this Sunn. Very impactful. I feel ashamed for not even knowing there was a civil war In Sudan. It's really made me aware of how much the west is ignorant of world issues.

[@wastedinspiration]

Wow, that hit HARD.

[@cherylk8781]

😢❤😢

[@Nikki0417]

"I've never had a dream because I've never slept." That gave me chills.

[@CKUnlimitedVibranium]

This is such an extremely profound speech. Even though what he shares is disheartening, it needs to be heard for the fire of positive change to keep burning inside all of us. Pass the light around. Much love to this brother and the people of East Africa.

[@TheKimworships]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@jodydf]

What a beautiful human being speaking such powerful words. May he be known by his name as quickly as possible. Peace to Sudan and the entire world.

[@blackcrow0079]

Smh, Skin is Mesmerising Flawless, *Beautiful*

[@heathertea2704]

A MAN of Humanity ❤ in the midst of criminality.

[@Nisa1971]

Beautiful message, beautiful spirit, beautiful skin. Thank you for posting! ❤

[@michaelrutherford4932]

Such wisdom. Each day a person is assaulted, each day a hungry person falls asleep without eating, humanity has failed in its ultimate goal to evolve.

[@gigig4566]

Beautiful! Thank you for letting me see South Sudan as a person.

[@2NeurOldies]

Sad, soulful and beauty-FULL. So many emotions in such a short video. A natural story teller ❤

[@treetea]

These were weightly words. Thank you for sharing this here. Community is powerful.

[@ncouraged1]

Beautiful and touching. Thank you for sharing this 🤎

[@HelyBel]

U are incredible, we are brothers and sisters love from Eritrea

[@Nicole-wt5yq]

Spread peace. Thank you for sharing this beautiful man's story. I've grown up watching different atrocities in Africa. The continent is rich with resources and the people should be living better than they do. I hope this man can find some happiness and the peace he deserves.

[@citroenboter]

Heartbreaking and beautiful. I will never forget his name.

[@YurinanAcquiline]

This sounds very nice. It is insightful, impactful and inspiring. What an articulate man.

[@Tijggie82]

Thank you for giving this man a voice.

[@shannonbeazer1268]

Thank you Mr. m'Cheaux

[@bildemerath]

Thank you, Sunn for sharing this.

[@carolt2198]

Thank you for sharing this message.

[@rhondabarlow860]

Father, have mercy........WOW!

[@Biblioholic1993]

Peace, good journalist.

[@cinema_chic]

Heartbreakingly beautiful

[@chestchirecateyes]

Speechless!😢😢

[@terylmcalaster3443]

May one day all of humanity unite 💛🌻

[@mterrell604]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@AtheneHolder]

The saddening reality of some lives is so much to bear at times.....

[@omggiiirl2077]

It hurts my heart that we only matter to us in the media. This breaks my heart!

[@ilfaitfroid9739]

I have friends and colleagues in eastern DRC - it's rough, especially near Goma. They do so much with so little.

[@akwaabab8504]

I was waiting for him to share his name.🙏🏿

[@marinthegoedschalk7245]

Try watching it again...

[@mascotwithadinosaur9353]

Very beautiful message.

[@CalicoJungle]

The courage and heartbreak.

[@WillinggToFail]

That was powerful and heartbreaking.

[@fartmagus]

We're not free until we're all free. No justice no peace.

[@TheKrispyfort]

Thank you 🙏

[@notimportant914]

"I've never had a dream because I've never slept." 😢😔

[@Volundur9567]

Better spoken than most journalists. I wish for peace, but I know it can only be through action and sacrifice. Action and sacrifice of the comfortable, the wealthy, those of privilege.

[@azurejester]

There's a beautiful, incredibly sad, inspiring poetry in his words

[@AutisticAthena]

Thank you for sharing his words with us

[@spritals]

Wow. Thank you for that.

[@rebeccascotland7339]

Thank you for sharing this. I want to know him by his name.

[@briafx]

This was beautiful and sad at the same time!!!

[@afasimpaur]

This is such a powerful video.

[@sandraodell610]

Thank you.

[@beckiejani7782]

Thank you! I will share this with many!

[@catfein9827]

One day, one time, there will be a light

[@dalemsilas8425]

That was powerful!