Friend,

Black History Month may be coming to an end, but our fight to honor the legacy and achievements of Black Americans is never over.

Though 2021 is only two months old, this year has already been filled with historic firsts -- Kamala Harris became our first Black Vice President; Senator Raphael Warnock was sworn in as Georgia’s first Black Senator; and the Senate confirmed Lloyd Austin as the first Black U.S. Secretary of Defense. And while these moments should be celebrated, we must also work to dismantle the systemic barriers that have prevented Black leaders from ascending to the highest ranks in our government, and all parts of society, for far too long.

History teaches us that Black oppression in America is both older than our nation itself and ever-present in our daily lives. I don’t think any of us will soon forget the image of the confederate flag being paraded through the halls of the Capitol just one month ago, or the memory of my dear friend and colleague, the late Congressman John Lewis, who was born 81 years ago this week to sharecroppers in Alabama. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to keep this history alive -- not just through our words, but through our actions too.

This month and every month, I hope you’ll join me in continuing this critical work together.

Thank you,
Ted