The police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many others, have inspired peaceful protests across the country and an important conversation about systemic racism is being had.

I will never know what it's like to be black in our country, and I will never know the fear black Americans experience every day just because of who they are. But I want you to know this: I hear you. I see you. And I will fight like hell for you in Washington.

We must take serious and meaningful steps to end the systemic racism that has caused so much pain, grief, and trauma and that has taken far too many lives.

President Trump is doing more to incite divisions rather than working to bring us together. He sanctioned using tear gas on peaceful protesters to exploit a place of worship for a photo-op, declared himself the "president of law and order," and threatened the safety of Americans.

This is not what leadership looks like.

I recently spoke and marched with young demonstrators from Franklin High School in Reisterstown, and let me tell you -- that's what leadership looks like.

Those students are setting an important example: We must continue to have these important conversations with one another if we're going to change the status quo in our country and dismantle racism. So today, I'm asking you to please forward this email to five friends and continue the conversation.

Your friend,

Dutch
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PAID FOR BY DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER FOR CONGRESS

Dutch Ruppersberger has called Baltimore home for his entire life. He is committed to fighting for accessible health care, securing our safety, creating jobs, and helping businesses grow. Learn more at www.dutchforcongress.com.

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