John,

Today is the 154th anniversary of the passage of the 15th Amendment which enfranchised Black men in this country (but notably not Black women). February is also the month we celebrate Black History. Right now, I am reflecting on my own family’s history and our place in the narrative of our nation.

I trace my history back to a plantation in South Carolina, where my ancestors were once enslaved — when the Constitution of the United States only recognized Black men and women as three-fifths of a person. My great-great-great grandfather fought for his freedom in the Civil War as part of the South Carolina Regiment. For generations, my family has answered the call to create justice. Both my grandfather and father also proudly served our nation in the military.

The Emancipation Proclamation, the 14th Amendment, and the 15th Amendment all directly affected the lives of my ancestors and shaped my future.

But these milestones were never the end of the fight — there is still much work to do for racial justice. Each generation must answer the call to serve to continue that work, and I am answering the call.

Our majority-minority district is a living testament to the power of diversity. The stories I’ve heard within our community echo the journey of my own family. TX-32 needs leadership that will recognize and represent our community’s values, experiences, and needs.

I will be the leader our district deserves — I will fight for you as fiercely as I would for my own family. Will you make a donation of $5 to help me go to Washington and represent you? Every contribution matters >>