During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, many heroes emerged who changed our country. Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his dream is why our country is the way it is today.

Dr. Kings’ dream is also a reminder that we can do better, and we must do better. In the past few weeks we’ve seen the worst of who we are as a people. But those who’ve stood up and demanded accountability and undercut the white supremacy movement give me hope.

The resurgence of the Civil Rights Movement this summer through the Black Lives Matter protests, while harrowing, give me hope. We cannot forget George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Eric Gardner and the countless others we’ve lost.

We will not stop fighting for our country to treat us all fairly and just. We must keep getting into good trouble.

I’m honored to be working in the most diverse class of Congress and incoming cabinet ever seen in our history. I’m proud of the history we will make this week when Kamala Harris takes her oath as Vice President of the United States. She will be the first Black American and first woman to serve as VP.

This is our America, and we have the duty to follow in Dr. King’s and my good friend Congressman John Lewis’ footsteps to fight for one another.

Let’s reflect today on their hard work and the progress we still need to make. Tomorrow, I look forward to getting into good trouble with you.

Onward,

Jerry