Team,

Seven years ago, three extraordinary womxn created the political movement Black Lives Matter.

Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi, and the movement they started plays a vital role in organizing communities against the state-sanctioned violence and oppression experienced by Black Americans. 

#BlackLivesMatter has captured and elevated important conversations about race, police brutality, and systemic oppression.

As the only Black woman in New York’s Congressional delegation, I am painfully aware of the struggle of lifting up Black voices and prioritizing the Black experience in Washington.

And in the wake of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police, the message of #BlackLivesMatter is spreading rapidly on the ground at protests around the nation and on social media. We are seeing in real-time the sheer power of this movement.

Now, it is up to all of us to keep it going.

When future generations read about the actions we took during this moment in our nation’s history, let’s make sure they feel inspired by the courage and leadership displayed in the streets.

Because when history is written, we will see that when our country failed to address the cries of its own citizens about the systemic racism embedded in America, #BlackLivesMatter was the driving force in creating the change we needed.

I am saddened that this movement is still needed but grateful for the voices and the direct action of those organizing in this moment. I am committed to this fight and will continue to use my voice and leadership to amplify the #BlackLivesMatter movement and push for the change our people demand. 

— Yvette