Team,

Happy Mother’s Day from my family to yours!

Today, we’re especially lucky to celebrate the strong women in our lives that have raised us. For me, that’s my mother, Nancy.

I want to tell you a little bit about why she’s the strongest woman I know.

My Mom grew up in the Black Belt of Alabama where racism ran deep and opportunity was scarce. But my mother persevered. She was determined to fight to achieve her dreams, so she attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, which is where she met my father. Shortly after my mother gave birth to me, our family moved home to Selma and that’s where she began her career as a public school teacher and public servant. She started working in the Selma public school system as a librarian because she had a passion for children and young people.

As a testament to her strength, my mother has even shared her story of growing up in a racially divided community.

My Mom pushed me to do my best in school so that one day, I too could give back to my community. She always told me to “bloom where you’re planted.” So I did. I graduated from Selma High School and became the school’s first Black valedictorian.

My mother has been a staple in the Selma community who everyone knows and loves for as long as I can remember. She has served in so many local organizations and is a trustee at our home church, the Historic Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church. In 1993, she was elected as the first African American member on the Selma City Council. I was as proud of her that day as she was of me on the days I graduated from Harvard Law School and was sworn into Congress.

I’ve always said that I stand on the shoulders of great women who have paved the way before me. My mother Nancy is, by far, the greatest woman I know. She taught me the values of public service, staying true to yourself, and loving your community as your family.

Today, I hope that your Mother’s Day is as special and meaningful as mine.

Yours in service,

- Terri