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John,
Black people have been subjugated in our country since even before our Republic was founded. That’s why saying “Black Lives Matter” is important—and actually doing something about it, even more so.
Yet when asked, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has never been able to bring herself to say the phrase without adding that “all lives matter.” That might seem innocuous, but carries disturbing implications under the circumstances, overlooking centuries of racial oppression.
Pelosi hasn’t been up to the task. Protests challenging police brutality have made that crystal clear. She mouths concern for racial justice, having spent 30 years undermining it.
I’ve spent the last 20 years advancing racial justice, from the streets to courtrooms and the halls of Congress, as a national advocate for civil rights and civil liberties. Can you support our campaign to take those concerns to the House?
Earlier today, I shared some thoughts about the uprising that we are witnessing together around the country.
When Donald Trump ordered the deployment of chemical weapons to clear protesters in order to get a photo op of himself holding up a Bible, what was Pelosi’s response?
Outrage?
A bill to demilitarize police?
She held up a second Bible and encouraged our criminal president to change his ways.
My take is vastly different.
I’m here for real justice backed up by the force of law, and I’ve taken action on those convictions for years—from organizing dozens of direct action events to writing dozens of articles, leading national non-profits, and pioneering courtroom battles to expand civil rights.
I was proud to stand with our neighbors in Oakland this weekend.
Our campaign proposes a 20-point platform to transform criminal justice that covers profiling, police militarization, ending the drug war, cutting mandatory minimum sentences, restricting deadly force, prohibiting cash bail, ending qualified immunity to support the prosecution of cops who kill, providing multiple paths for at-risk youth, and much more.
Meanwhile, Pelosi offers platitudes and empty rhetoric.
Can you help us take a big step toward real justice reform by replacing the leading corporate Democrat with a civil rights champion?
We’re serious about replacing Nancy Pelosi. And I’m equally serious about making America an equitable, just, inclusive and fair, safe place for Black Americans. As an immigrant of color, I understand how institutions prey on vulnerable communities, including black people, immigrants, and people of color.
I’m running for Congress to do everything I can to help. Thank you for standing with me!
In solidarity,
Shahid
PS — Unable to contribute financially? You can still make a big difference in our campaign by signing up to volunteer. Our team hosts training sessions via videoconference every other day, and has trained nearly a thousand volunteers in the past few weeks on our new phone banking tools. We're eager to include you & your friends!
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