You can't love Black history in public and erase it behind closed doors.

Republicans — like they always do — are using Black History Month to distract from their shameful record of legislated white supremacy and opposition to Black liberation and racial justice. But as we know, actions speak louder than words.

This lip service isn’t fooling anyone. For decades, Republicans have actively opposed any attempt to advance racial justice, honor Black history, cancel student debt, support economic justice, and defend reproductive rights. They don’t get to proclaim support for Black people while banning our books, erasing our history, and obstructing efforts to make real progress for Black communities.

As we celebrate Black History Month, know that I will never stop working to achieve Black liberation and pursuing justice for all. Will you reaffirm your commitment to this fight with a contribution today?

CHIP IN

Black history is American history.

This month is a celebration of those who came before us — the justice seekers, the freedom riders, the change makers, and the table shakers. This month is for every loved one that packed a brown bag lunch, sang a freedom song, vaselined an elbow, risked their lives, and dared to be themselves.

But this month is also for those who come after us. Black history is being made right now, if only we take a moment to see it; if only we have the courage to be it.

So let’s make it plain: The best way for us to truly celebrate Black history is not with T-shirts, hashtags, and tweets that check a box, but by enacting policies and budgets that save Black lives and allow us to thrive.

While we mark Black History this month, I’m grateful for the history we are making together every day. And I’m grateful to have people like you in this fight with me.

Yours in service,

Ayanna