Every day, I remember the late, great Shirley Chisholm, who taught us words to live by: If you’re not invited to the table, you bring your own folding chair.

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm became the first African-American woman to serve in Congress. And in 1972, she became the first woman and Black person from a major political party to seek nomination for president of the United States. She said she wanted to be remembered as “a catalyst of change” — and that’s exactly what she was.

When I was first elected in 2018, I became the youngest Black woman ever elected to Congress — almost 50 years to the day after Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman ever elected to Congress. So during my speech on election night, I paid tribute to her legacy, and made a promise to my community and myself: that just like Congresswoman Chisholm, I’d be “unbought and unbossed.”

I’m now in my fourth term in Congress, and I’m proud to say I’ve kept that promise. Since 2019, I’ve had 19 pieces of legislation signed into law — and I’m just getting started. 

The work ahead won’t be easy, especially with the House majority in Republicans’ hands, but just like Congresswoman Chisholm, I won’t give up. I’ll continue bringing my folding chair to the halls of Congress. I’ll continue to be unbossed and unbought. And I’ll continue fighting for working families in Illinois and across the country: for an economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, for an end to the gun violence epidemic, and for every person’s right to quality, affordable health care. 

But I can’t do it without you.

Right now, we’re tracking behind on our goal for our FEC deadline and could use your help. John, will you chip in right away to help us cross the finish line? 

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I promise you: I will continue to work tirelessly to fight for the progress we are counting on.

Thank you for staying by my side.

Onward,

Lauren