During the holidays, we celebrate our families and remember the sacrifices made for a better life. I especially think about my dad this time of year, and I'd like to share a story with you. 

Lieutenant Colonel Garvin A. Tutt served in both World War II – in the all-black 92nd battalion supporting the Normandy invasion – and in the Korean War. My father was a proud military man, and when I think of him, I immediately picture him in his uniform. 

At one point, after being stationed at Fort Ord, he and my mother decided that they wanted to buy a house in San Leandro. Now, some context about San Leandro: At this time, redlining and housing discrimination had kept San Leandro 99.3% white. Black people were intimidated and often run out of town by the police, and newspapers even reported cross burnings on the lawns of the few Black homeowners in the city. In fact, when I was growing up, we’d avoid driving through San Leandro when we were on our way from Los Angeles to visit my aunts in Oakland.  

Unfortunately, my parents, like many other Black families, were prevented from buying a home there. But my father wouldn't let that experience change us. I remember him saying to me, “You've got to keep hope. You’ve got to keep fighting.” And guess what? 

Today, I'm proud to represent the city of San Leandro in Congress. Because as Dr. King once said, the moral arc of the universe is long – but it bends toward justice.

John, I wouldn't be where I am today – one of the highest-ranking Black women in Congress – without the lessons my parents taught me. 

In a way, my run for Senate is all about honoring my parents and all that they sacrificed for me. I hope you'll consider supporting my campaign to help honor them as well. So please, if you're ready to help send just the fourth Black woman in our nation’s history to the Senate, any amount that you can donate would be immensely appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read my dad's story, John.

– Barbara