We have faced many tough fights during these past five years.

In 2018, I became the first Black congresswoman to represent Massachusetts.

It’s been five years of representing the people of the Massachusetts 7th, and last week, I joined GBH News’ Morning Edition to reflect on my time so far in Congress.

We covered a lot of ground in our discussion, including the critical inflection point for our shared humanity as the violence in Gaza escalates. I spoke about calling for a permanent ceasefire to save lives, return all hostages, and deliver the humanitarian aid that people in the region sorely need. Because we all want a lasting peace.

We spoke about the mandate to re-elect President Joe Biden and regain full control of Congress. About the January 6th insurrection and just how close we came to losing our democracy. About the extremist Republican House majority and how they remain committed to sowing chaos and rolling back our most fundamental rights.

We spoke about my alopecia. Losing my hair was a transformation that was not of my choosing, but one that I have chosen to stand in, unapologetically. And it brings me incredible joy to show up in the world fully and authentically as myself.

We spoke about how these five years in Congress are also marked by my daughter Cora growing up – we still can’t believe she’s in high school. I vividly remember the day of Cora’s eighth grade graduation. It was the same day the corrupt Supreme Court announced the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. I remember starting the day feeling so hopeful, optimistic about our future. And of course, I still am. But in real time when that decision came out, I felt so heavy. I didn't know what else might be coming. I knew it meant my daughter could grow up in a world where she has fewer rights than I grew up with. And that broke my heart.

We have faced many tough fights during these past five years. Our communities are still recovering from the lingering impacts of the pandemic and generations of policy violence. Yet I’m reminded that the only way we can truly see change is by working together. We have to keep governing and working towards equity, justice, and healing like lives depend on it, because they do. So if you’re ready to keep building this movement for bold, transformative change that centers the people, please make a contribution right now.

I’m more resolved than ever before to continue delivering for our communities, and I am so grateful for your partnership.

Yours in service,

Ayanna