Friend,

Today is the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing some women the right to vote.

In honor of this anniversary, I am participating in USA Today’s “Women of the Century” storytelling project, streaming tonight on Facebook at 8PM ET along with five other iconic women — activists, artists, doctors, scientists.

I’m proud to represent the immigrant community in this historic event, share my journey as I went from being an undocumented young woman of color who was afraid and ashamed of my color and immigration status, to feeling unafraid and proud of my roots and immigrant experience.

This year I will be able to vote in my very first presidential election after more than 20 years in this country.

Originally the 19th Amendment only benefited white women, and even today millions live without the right to vote or as undocumented people, unable to vote in the place we call home.

This isn’t my first time taking action. As a community organizer, I have been on the frontlines fighting back against injustice. Voting is now an additional tool in my toolbox that I can use to make my voice heard, and push for change in my community. This November we need voters to show up at the polls and cast their vote to defend our democracy and immigrant communities — and I hope sharing my story today will help accomplish that.

And you know I had to wear my ABOLISH ICE, DEFUND POLICE shirt to make sure everyone knows what this organization and team is about and stands for.

So in honor of tonight’s historic event, we’re reissuing a limited run of our ABOLISH ICE, DEFUND POLICE shirt in the United We Dream Action store. Don’t miss out — grab yours now.

VISIT THE STORE

Head to the United We Dream Action store and grab your shirt today, then make sure to tune in later tonight to hear from the incredible women I shared the honor of taking part in this project with.

We know the power of community and individual transformation — we see it every day in the work we do together at United We Dream Action.

It’s my hope that my story, and the stories that so many of you have shared with me over the years, inspire young people across the world, especially young women of color, to love themselves deeply -- so deeply that they will raise their voices, speak up against injustice, and fight for the change this world desperately needs.

—Cristina

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