John, it’s Aaron Rouse,

The Civil Rights Act was signed into law 60 years ago today, just 20 years before I was born. The impacts of segregation shaped my childhood, life, and future. I noticed it as a boy when I was told who I could and couldn’t be and what I could and could not achieve – all because of the color of my skin. But John, I never let them define who I am.

Instead, I held onto the words of my mom, my grandparents, my leaders, and my mentors, who gave me hope and inspired me to reach for greatness. And when I made it to Virginia Tech and later the NFL, I knew I couldn’t leave behind the community that helped me overcome.

Now, I’m running for Lieutenant Governor to inspire the next generation as we work for true freedom and equality for all. If you’re with me, will you chip in just $3 to support my campaign to work together to honor the legacy of the Civil Rights movement and help us move forward?

Generations of segregation and subjugation at the hands of discriminatory policies have left their mark on today’s world. We see it in our schooling, housing, and the justice system.

Today in Virginia, only 25% of the Black community has a bachelor’s degree or higher – compared to the 43% of white Virginians who do. In a third of Virginia’s counties, Black homeownership is down from where it was in 1940 – before the Civil Rights Act was passed. Black Virginians are also more likely to face over-policing and punitive measures at school than their white counterparts.

There is more work to be done. We can’t afford to be complacent. We have a candidate running for president who has promised to undo decades of progress for Black Americans, erase our history from schools, and silence our voices.

So, as we celebrate the monumental accomplishment of the Civil Rights Act, I’m calling on all of us to honor the legacy of the trailblazers and leaders who risked and gave their lives to make it happen by taking action. If you’re ready to join my campaign for Lieutenant Governor, can I count on you to contribute just $3 now?

Thank you,

Aaron Rouse