Hi John,

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and honor the excellence, accomplishments, and rich history of Black Americans.

But it’s not enough to recognize the contributions of Black Americans for one month each year. We must empower Black voters, uplift Black voices, and commit to a better future for Black communities all year round.

Policies like affordable healthcare, reproductive rights, criminal justice reform, and a livable wage are critical in our fight to deliver progress to Black Americans. Black people continue to bear the brunt of inequity — including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — and every step we take to level the playing field is a step forward for our communities.

In 2020, Black Americans took on some of the most deeply entrenched inequities in our country. We led a national conversation on racism in policing and criminal justice. Black organizers worked around the clock to register voters and achieved record-breaking turnout in November’s election — and flipped Georgia blue.

The truth is that Black voices are the future. I’m proud to stand on the shoulders of so many as I run to become the first Afro-Latina Lt. Governor of Virginia.

We have a lot of work left to do, but it’s my hope that this month, we can have an open and honest dialogue about what we need to do to heal our scars and create a more just and equitable society.

Thanks for being in this fight with me. Let’s get to work.

— Hala

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