Hi John,
Today is Trayvon Martin's birthday -- he'd be 26 years old. But because of America's legacy of hate, violence, and injustice, he won't be.
For too many people, Trayvon's murder was their first glimpse into the two Americas -- the one they come from, the America of the privileged, and the other one, where Black communities fight for their lives and freedoms on a near-daily basis.
But for so many others, the loss of Trayvon was not an eye-opener but rather another grim reminder of how America has continued to fail to live up to our nation's stated virtues and aspirations.
As we remember Trayvon Martin, we should consider how things could've been different with Black electeds who share our values in power.
A Black district attorney who was committed to reform could have pursued justice earlier and more tenaciously.
A Black county coroner with an eye toward equity could have made the case a priority and reviewed evidence without racial bias.
A Black sheriff rooted in justice could have collected the pertinent evidence and pursued justice more vigilantly.
And Black state legislators who oppose "stand your ground" laws could have made a difference.
That's why we need to elect more Black progressives to power. Black communities need representation in government, they need leaders that share their lived experiences and are mindful of the inequalities they're facing.
So, for Black History Month, Run for Something has set a goal of recruiting 200 Black young progressives to be future candidates. Here's how you can help:
- Are you a Black young progressive who cares about your community and is ready to claim your seat at the table? Sign up to Run for Something, and we'll help you -- even if it requires, as the great Shirley Chisholm once said, bringing your own folding chair.
- Not a Black young progressive but know someone who'd be a great elected official, who you'd be thrilled to support if they ran? Forward this email to them and ask them to Run for Something.
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Want to make a donation to help grow and sustain our recruitment efforts? That's a good start, too.
Real progress in America is possible. We can build the America we all believe in, but it takes each and every one of us putting our all into the movement for Black empowerment to make it our reality.
In honor of Trayvon, Black History Month, those who laid the groundwork for this moment, and those whose futures we're building,
Run for Something
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Run for Something is a grassroots-powered organization that recruits and empowers young progressives running for local office, with the goal of winning permanent power for decades to come. We rely on support from grassroots donors pitching in a little to create big change. Please chip in now to help us continue running and winning.
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