Dear Friend,

Black History Month allows us to reflect on the richness and diversity of Black achievements and contributions and the role of Black Americans in shaping our nation’s history.

At the end of last year, Virginia took the long-overdue step of removing a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee that had long represented the Commonwealth in our nation’s Capitol, and replaced it with one of Barbara Johns, the 16-year-old from Moton High School in Farmville who led a student walkout with her Black classmates to protest school segregation in Virginia in 1951.
 
This month likewise offers as an opportunity to recognize all those who led the fight for equality while also taking the time to reflect on some of the darkest aspects of our country’s history, and the work that lies ahead of us in righting our nation’s wrongs.

Last year, the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, Ahmaud Arbery, and other Black Americans served as painful reminders of the racial violence, institutional racism, and discrimination that so many Black Americans continue to face on a daily basis. These deaths rightfully prompted widespread calls for justice, and overdue conversations about racism, discrimination, injustice, and the need for bold action.

That’s why I want to take this opportunity to highlight a sweeping police reform bill I was proud to introduce alongside my colleagues Cory Booker and then-Senator Kamala Harris. This legislation, called the Justice in Policing Act, seeks to end racial profiling and qualified immunity, address police brutality, and change law enforcement culture by increasing accountability and transparency and improving police practices and training. I will continue working with my colleagues to address injustice through action as we affirm that Black Lives Matter – today, tomorrow, and long after Black History Month is over.

If you want to share your thoughts about an issue that’s important to you, you can send me an email any time using the form on my Senate website. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,