This is such an important milestone for me

In February of 1974, I arrived two months premature. My mother, Sandy, always told me she knew it was because I was ready to get to Work.

Reflecting on this milestone birthday means reflecting on that Work, on how I became the woman I am today. My mother is a big part of that — she’s my family, and the person who gave me my roots and my wings. And it was my father, Martin, who nurtured my Black consciousness, introducing me to authors like James Baldwin and poets like Maya Angelou.

There’s a village of people that carried me here, and I carry that village with me forward.

You don’t always see Ayanna the daughter, the mother, the friend — some of the titles that might not be in my official bio, but are some of my proudest. I want to show you that person.

These photos remind me of where I’ve been, and where we’re going. They remind me of my village: the people I love and support and the people who love and support me. They are why I ran for office in the first place.

You know, my mother told me at a young age that being Black was a beautiful thing, but that I was being born into a struggle — a struggle for our collective liberation. I was ready for this fight nearly fifty years ago, and now I’m fighting it in Congress. And I’m proud to be doing it alongside people like you. If you’re in a place to chip in and help power this movement for another fifty years, you can do so here.

I’m grateful for all of you.

Yours in service,

Ayanna