John,

In the midst of this busy political campaign and historic election year, I want to take a moment to celebrate Black History Month and uplift the stories of the countless Black Americans who have helped to shape our nation and create a more perfect union — especially those right here in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

As we celebrate, we must also be mindful that our fight for equality and justice can’t begin — nor end — in Black History Month. This month should serve as a proud reminder of how far we’ve come, and a call to action for the work we still must do all year long.

Looking ahead, we must build on the legacies of those who came before us — those who opened doors, shattered glass ceilings, and proved the breadth of Black excellence.

And we must never forget that it is thanks to the tireless work and fearless advocacy of Black leaders, like Shirley Chisholm and Stephanie Tubbs Jones, that a Black woman like me is able to serve as a member of the United States Congress. I am honored to follow in their footsteps as the first Black person elected to represent Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

So to every Black community leader, artist, small business owner, and revolutionary who has helped make this nation a better place: thank you.

In celebration and solidarity: Happy Black History Month.

Emilia