John,

In 1969, a group of queer Black and Brown people, many of them New Americans, took a stand against the police violence and discrimination plaguing their communities. Their actions became known as the Stonewall Uprising, marking the start of the modern movement for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. 

Now, in 2020, we continue their fight. This month, as we close both Immigrant Heritage Month and Pride Month, our revolution for equality is growing and more important than ever. The violence against LGBTQ+ people, persistent anti-Blackness, rising white nationalist sentiment, and police brutality are not just a queer problem, nor a Black problem, nor an immigrant problem. These issues impact all of us and must be addressed in our struggle for collective liberation.  

All of us must actively fight white supremacy, and those of us from immigrant backgrounds must also be willing to examine our own communities' legacies of internalized colonialism, homophobia, and colorism. We must unite in the fight against these issues.

By protesting, supporting the Movement for Black Lives, and working to become more actively anti-racist, you have become part of this historic movement. Now, I urge you to join NAL in our long-term work for an inclusive and fair democracy, starting with electing the leaders who will make a change. Here are a few ways you can take action today:

1. Support free and fair elections. Voter suppression, misinformation campaigns, and foreign interference are just a few of the threats to our democracy. Here's how you can help protect our democracy.  
2. Vote, and make sure others do, too. Ask young people and new citizens if they have registered. Make sure you know your state’s vote-by-mail rules. Check your voter registration status now. 
3. Volunteer on a campaign. If you see a candidate who is leading with our shared progressive values and authentic New American experiences, they need your help now. Make calls, raise funds, translate materials, and make sure they can win their election and create the change our communities need.

Thank you for being our partner in this movement for justice. As we pause to remember the leaders who have come before us, we celebrate today's advocates and empower those who will come after. With your support, we know we can make this moment count and usher in a new era of inclusive leadership and democracy.

In community,

Sayu Bhojwani
Founder and President
New American Leaders