We’re fighting against an extremist, Republican-led movement that is actively working to keep the underrepresented, underrepresented.

I was the first Black woman to serve on the Boston City Council. It took 100 years for that to happen. I was also the first Black woman to represent the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Congress. It took 230 years for this to happen.

While this is an honor, it’s also a damn shame.

When I think about my experience as a bald, unapologetic Black woman in the halls of Congress — where my very existence is disruptive — I’m reminded of the systemic barriers that have been put into place to keep underrepresented voices and needs out of the political conversation.

I’m going to continue fighting my heart out to break down these barriers. But our movement is fighting against an extremist, Republican party that is actively working to reverse our progress and keep the underrepresented, underrepresented.

Your donation helps make sure our progressive movement for racial justice is stronger than their hateful movement. Will you pitch in $25 or anything you can to power our fight for justice, equity, and a government that truly represents the people?

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I’m sure you’ve heard about the glass ceiling: The idea of an invisible barrier that keeps women from accessing positions of power — clear enough for them to see their goals but strong enough to keep them down.

Well, it’s been said that for Black women it’s more like a concrete ceiling.

I’m grateful to those who blazed the trail for me and the village that empowered me to break a 100-year-old concrete ceiling, and then a 230-year-old concrete ceiling. Women like Shirley Chisolm, Coretta Scott King, and Barbara Jordan.

Our movement is following in their footsteps and fighting to turn every concrete ceiling into dust — by fighting for policies that move us closer to the collective liberation our ancestors dreamt of and fought so hard for. Policies that give Black women and all marginalized people access to economic freedom and affirm our fundamental rights to reproductive healthcare, affordable housing, and childcare. And, policies that intentionally confront and weed out the white supremacist roots planted in our political process.

If you’re all in to fight for transformative change that disrupts the status quo and creates a better future for all our communities, please make a contribution of $25 or whatever amount makes sense for you to help make sure I can keep fighting for progress in Congress.

Yours in service,

Ayanna