John,

We recognize February as Black History Month – a time to honor and celebrate the diverse contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history. North Carolina’s cultural, political, and economic landscape is enriched by the achievements of generations of Black Americans.

As we celebrate this rich history, this month also invites us to reflect on the work still ahead of us to achieve racial justice and true equity in our nation.

My roots in North Carolina instilled in me the values of hard work, community, and service. As we see relentless efforts to strip away the progress we’ve made, I’m proud to have these values lead my fight towards social justice in Congress — championing racial equity through voting rights, tackling disparities in education and healthcare, addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change, and combating discrimination in the criminal justice system.

This is work I’m proud to take on. This month, let’s reaffirm our commitment to an equitable future for our children, grandchildren, and the generations after.

Onward,

Valerie