On January 5, 2021, Georgia made history by electing a diverse duo to the United States Senate—a young Black man raised in public housing and the Jewish son of an immigrant.
Among those casting their votes was my mother, an 82-year-old woman who grew up in Waycross, Georgia, a place where she toiled in cotton and tobacco fields.
It’s remarkable to think that the hands that once picked someone else’s crops now played a part in sending her son to the Senate.
This is the essence of America.
Gratitude fills my heart for my mother, for Georgia, and for this nation that empowers its citizens to raise their voices through voting.
A vote is more than just a mark on a ballot; it is a prayer for a brighter future for ourselves and our children.
When we unite in this effort, our prayers become stronger.
Together, we flipped the Senate, maintained control of the House, and ushered Joe Biden and Kamala Harris into the White House.
In these challenging times, we have come together to vaccinate our communities, support local businesses, and heal a nation ravaged by a pandemic and divisive rhetoric.
The day after my election, however, a violent insurrection occurred at our nation’s Capitol, instigated by a leader who perpetuated falsehoods.
This event was not just an attack on our democracy but also highlighted the deeper lie that a diverse electorate should not dictate the nation’s future.
This insidious belief has led to a wave of voter suppression laws emerging across the country, and we must remain vigilant against these anti-democratic forces.
The question before us now is: who will mend our fractured land?
Are we prepared to stand for what is right during this crucial moment in history?
Elections are not just about candidates; they reflect the character of our nation.
We are at a crossroads, faced with a choice between the promise of unity represented by January 5th and the dangers embodied by January 6th.
Will we embrace a nation that welcomes everyone or one that excludes many?
Donald Trump represents the latter, fostering division rather than leading with vision.
He is a threat to the fundamental values that bind us as a nation.
Reflecting on his actions, I recall a moment when he held a Bible aloft, as if it required his endorsement.
Yet, the teachings within it call for justice, kindness, and humility.
It reminds us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to care for the least among us.
I choose to uphold the American covenant—E pluribus unum, out of many, one.
I stand with the vision of January 5th, advocating for a nation where every child has a chance to thrive.
This vision is shared by President Biden, a true patriot who has dedicated his life to serving the people.
His commitment to expanding the child tax credit has significantly reduced child poverty in America.
We need to renew this initiative and extend it to all families.
Together, we passed an infrastructure bill that strengthens American manufacturing and clean energy, laying the groundwork for our collective future.
As we look ahead, we must remain steadfast in our pursuit of progress.
We will champion women’s reproductive rights, ensuring that personal health decisions are made without government interference.
We will advocate for workers’ rights, allowing everyone to share in the prosperity they help create.
We will push for voting rights, affordable housing, and accessible healthcare.
Our momentum is building, and we are just getting started.
I draw inspiration from the resilience of the American spirit.
We have weathered the storm of a pandemic and resisted the forces trying to tear us apart.
My late father, a preacher and a junk man, taught me the importance of lifting others.
He transformed broken lives, reminding them they were valued.
In the same way, we can uplift our communities while striving for greater heights.
Together, we can heal the wounds that divide us and mend our planet.
The pandemic has shown us that our fates are intertwined; the health of one affects us all.
Just as a cough can spread illness, so too can compassion and care.
I need my neighbor’s children to thrive for my own to flourish.
This sense of interconnectedness extends beyond borders.
Whether it’s the children of Atlanta, Appalachia, Israel, Gaza, or Ukraine, we are all God’s children deserving of a chance at a better life.
So let’s unite in our efforts.
Let’s organize, pray, and work together to heal our land.
God bless you all, and let’s keep the faith alive.
