Dear John,

Happy Inauguration Week! 

Have you taken a moment to breathe? To relax your shoulders? To celebrate how far we’ve come? To be honest, we haven’t done this as much as we should, but we’re planning to this weekend. 

As an activist, you’re privy to this secret: the real work of building a people-centered democracy does not start or stop on Election Day. We’re just getting started. 

Keep your eyes out for big news at the State Legislature next week. On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade today, sign on to this petition to protect reproductive freedom.

Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week:

1. Roe v. Wade

Today is the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Read about the state of reproductive rights in the wake of the Trump administration. 

2. Reproductive Justice

With the anniversary of Roe v. Wade today, we’re thinking about the beauty of the reproductive justice framework and how we can build a world with reproductive freedom. Watch Loretta Ross talk about how powerful this framework is and sign on to UnRestrict Minnesota’s petition to protect reproductive freedom.  

3. Amanda Gorman

The first National Youth Poet Laureate was a highlight of the inauguration. Watch and listen to her stunning inaugural poem, The Hill We Climb, and learn more about her in the New York Times.  

4. Joe Biden

On his first day, he signed 17 executive orders. Read about Biden's first actions in office. 

5. COVID-19

Former Minnesota state Senator Jerry Relph passed away in December after attending a GOP celebration dinner hosted by Majority Leader Paul Gazelka after Election Day. Read this perspective from Sen. Relph’s daughter in the New York Times. 

6. Democracy

ICYMI: Check out Congresswoman Omar’s piece on democracy reform. Read it in The Atlantic.

7. Abolish the Filibuster

But first, know its history. Read this timely throwback piece from 2010. 

8. Representation

We’re big fans of Representatives Esther Agbaje and Kaohly Her. Dive into this Sahan Journal piece about their role in a multiracial democracy.   

9. Bernie

We’re delighted by his inauguration mittens (and we need $2,000 in COVID relief for everyone, no exceptions). Rejoice with these memes.

10. Dessa and Janet Yellen

That’s a wrap. Send us what you’re reading.

 - Kenza Hadj-Moussa & LyLy Vang-Yang