John,

My name is Yahaira. I'm a former middle school student of Jamaal’s from Cornerstone Academy for Social Action (CASA) in the Bronx. I graduated from CASA in 2011, with my brother, Gabriel, graduating right after in 2012.

Me (left) and my brother, Gabriel (right)

It's Teacher Appreciation Week this week, so I've been thinking a lot about my time at CASA and Jamaal's (or Mr. Bowman, as I knew him back in middle school) impact on my education.

CASA is where I learned that my voice mattered. From interactions I had with my teachers to our school-wide community circle, student voices were meaningfully involved in all decision making at Mr. Bowman’s school.

Just like he did with his students, I know Jamaal will work to hear the voices of the people of NY-16. I know that he'll be there, fighting right alongside them. I know that because I've seen firsthand how hard he fought for me, my classmates, and our families.

But he can't do this alone. Can you chip in $5 or whatever you can to support Jamaal's campaign?

His team told me that, with less than 50 days until the primary, we need to step up our fundraising numbers more than ever, so I'm making this ask on Mr. Bowman's behalf.

Mr. Bowman with CASA alums

Jamaal started CASA because he believes that students from working-class families deserve a quality education and opportunities, especially considering how much our current system favors the wealthy and privileged few.

I still live in the Bronx today, and I've seen Jamaal's impact on hundreds of students, year over year. He's lived in NY-16 for many years and, during that time, he's fought for many of us as an educator, advocate, and neighbor. And now, he’s running to fight for you and your communities in Congress, too.

I know Jamaal would make a great Congressman. Unfortunately, our current political system privileges wealthy, white men to fill these positions. It’s going to take a lot of us to help get him to Congress, so any amount you can afford to give counts. Can you chip in now?

It's exciting to see my middle school principal stepping up to represent NY-16. I know he'll do a great job if elected, and I know he deeply appreciates your support.

Thanks for your time and for being a part of this,

Yahaira Ruiz-Ramirez
CASA Middle School, Class of 2011