I have the utmost respect for the public officials who are taking the time to listen, learn, and hear from the communities they represent.
America is in pain right now. These past two weeks have been challenging, difficult, upsetting, but also inspiring. Nearly every single major city in every single state and dozens of countries across the world have held demonstrations and protests in support and recognition of Black lives.
I have attended many protests over the years, but perhaps for the first time in my life, I protested shoulder to shoulder with a massive group of incredibly diverse people deeply committed to seeing real systemic change for the Black community. I’ve had unforgettable and incredibly moving conversations, with so many people, and I’ve seen what the future of our country can look like: There are so many brilliant and compassionate leaders emerging like the six teenage girls in Nashville who organized the largest Black Lives Matter protest in the entire state.
Our country is in a time of crisis, but also a time of soul-searching.
Many Americans, for the first time, are grappling with the racism that permeates the history of this country and so many others are learning about the grim realities of our broken criminal justice system and militarized police force. And they’re getting involved to be the change they want to see in the world.
Our country needs more than public officials who listen and learn. We need officials who can articulate a clear vision of where we want this country to go, and lay out a detailed plan for how to get there. Mostly, we need leaders who inspire us to believe change can happen and that we can be the agents of that change. It’s not just about empathy, it’s about empowerment.
From the local level up to the federal level, our government does not represent the diversity of our nation.
Black women only make up 4% of the U.S. Congress -- is it any wonder that our federal policies and laws are out-of-touch with the realities of Black America?
And then there are elected officials like Brian Mast. Mast has access to the White House and its staff, the full backing of the GOP, and a highly visible public platform -- but he has been stone cold silent these past two weeks. At a time like this, silence is violence. Silence sends the message that the injustice is just fine, and that change is not warranted.
He didn’t condemn the President ordering the assault on peaceful protesters, reporters, and church clergy for a photo-op. He hasn’t said a word about the killings of George Floyd or Breonna Taylor or Ahmaud Aubrey or so many other Americans.
In fact, he can’t even bring himself to say “Black Lives Matter.” Not even once.
Our communities are crying out in pain, and he can’t even utter those three words while our brothers and sisters are being killed, when his own constituents are crying out for change. For a chance to be heard. This November, it’s time to replace him with someone who will use that platform in Congress to advocate for real reform and changes.
Black Lives Matter is not a slogan for me.
It is not a photo op, or short term political “moment.” It is an inextricable part of the very engine that fuels my passions and energy. I stand up, I speak out, I protest, I lead, I run, and I FIGHT because Black Lives Matter. And I will prove it every single day in office through my actions.
In service. In solidarity.
Pam
