RuthsListFL.org [RuthsListFL.org]
John,
As we enter the last week of Black History Month, I’m reflecting on why we dedicate a month in our year to acknowledge, learn, and celebrate Black history. This month is not just about reckoning with our past, full of both injustice and perseverance, but reckoning with our present and future as well.
History’s great civil rights leaders have taught us that we must be tireless in our pursuit of justice and a brighter future for all of Florida’s citizens. If evil flourishes when good men do nothing, then we must let our voices loudly and unmistakably rise against those who seek to destroy our Republic, our freedom and our liberty.
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This month, we also mourn the late Senator Geraldine Thompson, and all of the black leaders who have dedicated their lives to public service. Senator Thompson and I go back to 1970, when she began working as a legislative aide for State Representative Gwen Cherry, who was the first black woman to serve in Florida’s Legislature. At that time, I had just finished working as a legislative aide to Representative Joe Lang Kershaw, the first Black legislator in Florida since Reconstruction. Before making history in our own careers as elected leaders, myself and Senator Thompson were the first Black women in history to serve as aides in our state legislature.
John, I want you to honor Senator Thompson, Representative Cherry, and all of the phenomenal Black women who have answered the call to serve with action. As a Board Member at Ruth’s List Florida, I am proud to help this organization that recruits, trains, and empowers the next generation of black women leaders. We see this right now, in this moment, with our House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell and Senate Leader Pro-Tempore Tracie Davis.
The future of our State, even our Nation, is in jeopardy. Those in power are not looking out for you or I, nor any woman or minority in Florida. While this reality is dark, our history teaches us that we have survived even darker times. With perseverance, we know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
With Gratitude,
Senator Arthenia Joyner
Board Member, Ruth's List Florida
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