John, today marks the 60 year anniversary of the historic Selma to Montgomery marches that became a pivotal moment for the Civil Rights movement to end segregation.

Today is a day to honor the heroes who took a stand and put their lives on the line to demand liberation. Will you add your name to my petition to commemorate this day and join me in affirming your commitment to racial justice?

John Lewis, Martin Luther King, and thousands of nonviolent protestors stood firm in demanding justice. They were beaten, bloodied, and tear gassed for daring to speak out. But they found resolve in the final hymn they sung, echoed by Barack Obama in his speech given on the march’s 50th anniversary –

No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you.
Lean weary one upon his breast, God will take care of you.

The history of segregation isn’t a faded memory in the distant past. I, and many other Black Americans, lived through it. I attended segregated schools until I was in the 6th grade. In North Carolina, we could not eat in the same restaurants as white people. When we went to the grocery store, we were taught not to look directly at a white person.

Almost everything was separate, nothing was equal. I watched the Civil Rights movement unfold before my eyes. I felt the pain, the struggle, and the triumph of overcoming systemic injustice.

It’s important that we recognize that the struggle for equality and racial justice didn’t end with the Civil Right Act in 1964. But it did pave the way to find power in our voice and to use it for change. That’s part of what led me to serve you in Congress. Will you sign my petition in honor of the progress we’ve made, and commitment to the work that remains?

It’s only by standing up to injustice anywhere that we can secure justice everywhere.

Thank you,

Valerie Foushee