John, let me tell you a story from my childhood that helped shape who I am today. And, if it inspires you, I'd appreciate it if you would make a donation to my historic campaign for Senate.

When I was 15, after making the move from the deeply segregated South to California, I wanted to be a cheerleader at my high school. But unfortunately, I didn't look like the kind of person that the selection committee would choose for the cheerleading team.

I could've just accepted my fate and given up there – but that's not the kind of person my mother, who was one of just 12 students to integrate her college, raised me to be. 

So instead, I partnered with the NAACP and despite pushback from the school administration, we were able to convince them to change the system from a selection process to an election process that would allow the whole school to vote. After trying out in front of the entire student body, guess what? I won. I became the first Black cheerleader at my school.

And even better, other girls of color took advantage of the new process and were able to become cheerleaders that year as well.

You see, John, I've been working to break down barriers and dismantle unfair systems since I was just 15 years old – and I'm nowhere near done yet. 

That's why I'm running for Senate, where there are currently no Black women serving, and I hope I can count on you to join me. On average, Black women fundraise just one-third the amount that white women candidates do, so I truly need every dollar.

Please, will you donate whatever you can spare to my Senate campaign so I can build a progressive future for all?

Thank you for listening to my story.

Barbara Lee