Friend,

We need more Black leaders in elected office. 

That's one thing I've been thinking about this Black History Month, as our nation struggles against two pandemics: COVID-19, the respiratory disease, and COVID-1619, the disease of racism that has plagued us since the first slave ships arrived on American shores in 1619. 

The symptoms of that disease are vast: voter suppression, racial disparities in health care and housing, and gross inequities in jobs and justice. You can see it in our Congress, too. I just became the first Black senator ever elected from Georgia, making me only the 11th Black senator in our country's history.

These numbers are outrageous, if not surprising – systemic racism is cemented in our very institutions. I ran for office to crack this cement and build upon the bold legacies of the civil rights leaders who came before me – those like John Lewis, who fought for and devoted their lives to securing the most fundamental freedoms for all Americans.

We honor these American heroes with our actions, and that starts with speaking up for what's right. That's why, I'm asking 10,000 members of our grassroots team to raise their voices with me in the fight for greater representation in Congress – and I'm hoping you'll be one of them.

Please, friend: If you believe our Congress should reflect the diversity of our country, will you add your name alongside mine before midnight tonight?

Thanks for standing with me in this fight for justice and equity.

– Raphael Warnock