[ [link removed] ]Ayanna Pressley for Congress



I don’t think anyone who has made history set out to make history. I like
to think they just set out to handle their business, to make change, and
to fight for the humanity and dignity of our communities.

This Black History Month, I’m thinking about the Black women whose
shoulders I stand on, the women who dared to take up space and blazed the
trail for Black leaders today. For generations, Black women have been
doing the Work of seeking justice and driving transformational change —
historically doing the most for our country, yet receiving the least of
the recognition. Women like Shirley Chisholm, Coretta Scott King, and
Barbara Jordan.

Their work has played a pivotal role in preserving our democracy and
shaping me into the woman I am today. So today, please join me in learning
about and celebrating their legacies:

[ [link removed] ]Images of Shirley Chisolm

My mother, may she rest in power, never read me fairytales at bedtime —
she read me the words of Shirley Chisholm. As the first Black woman
elected to Congress from Massachusetts, I was honored to formally occupy
the physical office Shirley Chisholm once held when she became the first
Black woman elected to Congress — ever — in 1968. She was a history-maker
in more ways than one, becoming the first Black candidate to seek a
major-party nomination for president. She ran on the slogan “Unbought and
Unbossed.”

Her legacy transformed American politics, yet Shirley didn’t want to be
remembered as a politician. She simply wanted to be remembered as a Black
woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself. I thank her
for the space that she created for me — an unapologetic Black Alopecia
Queen at policy- and decision-making tables.

[ [link removed] ]Images of Coretta Scott King

Movement leader, organizer, strategist, and a force for good — Coretta
Scott King’s legacy continues to pave the way. She was the esteemed wife
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., yes, but Coretta was also a trusted
confidant, advisor, and effective strategist and activist in her own
right. She reminded us that every disparity, hardship, and social ill is
the result of a policy or a budget choice, and she left an undeniable mark
on the fabric of our democracy.

She reminded us that “Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never
won, you earn it and win it in every generation.” Her words echo in my ear
as I walk the halls of Congress.

[ [link removed] ]Images of Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan was the first Black woman from the South elected to
Congress. She was a fierce advocate who advanced policies to improve the
lives of marginalized communities, strengthen voting rights, and protect
workers.

She reminded us that “What the people want is very simple — they want an
America as good as its promise.” That’s what I’m fighting for in Congress.
To legislate healing, justice, and address the decades of harm that have
been, and still are, inflicted on our communities.

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This Black
History Month — and every month — there will be no erasure or rewriting of
the role that Black women play in protecting our democracy. I stand on the
shoulders of these Black women, and I live by their words daily. May their
legacy continue to inspire us to disrupt the status quo, take up space,
and dare to be authentically ourselves.

Yours in service,

Ayanna

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|[ [link removed] ]Inspired by Black historymakers, Ayanna Pressley is fighting in |
|Congress for justice and equity in all of our communities. If |
|you’re able, please chip in |
|$25|
|or anything you can to support our movement. |
| |
| [ [link removed] ]DONATE |
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