John,
It is with deep sorrow that I share this news: my mother, Ms. Pauline Bowman, passed away two days ago. She transitioned on Valentine's Day after battling Covid for many weeks on end. Today, I share her legacy with all of you.
Our mom raised my sisters and I to live our lives with love and joy, with and for each other. She built a family of love through us — her kids — and her grandkids. Her love made me who I am today, and I'm grateful to have her guidance in my life. I'm proud to be her son.
Even as we celebrate my mom's life, I am filled with deep sorrow; not only for her passing, but also in knowing that my experience of losing a loved one to the coronavirus is a pain that is all too common — especially in the Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, where our people die of Covid at up to three times the rate of white people.
Every day, the need to beat this virus grows. So, when it's your turn, I implore you to take the Covid vaccine. For our kids, our elders, and for our communities. It's important, and we all need to do our part to make it through to the other side.
Thank you for taking a moment to remember my mother with me today, John. I hope you and your loved ones stay healthy and safe.
With love,
Jamaal Bowman
