John,

I moved out of New York the summer before 9/11. In the weeks after, there was a sense of common cause in America. It was intoxicating, refreshing. 

Yet there I was, watching the war on “terror” ramp up, watching people who look like me being detained even though they shared the most American dream of all — the same dream of my own father: a better life for their children. 

I’m still wrestling with the many emotions today, 20 years later. I imagine you are, too. It helps me to start with a crucial distinction — between cheap unity and fierce unity. 

Here’s what that means to me, and how it shapes what we do together at Dream Corps.

If these ideas resonate with you — or even if they are uncomfortable — I would love for you to join Dream Corps and our community members for a reflection space centered around the anniversary of September 11th. It will take place next Thursday, the 16th at 4pm PT/7pm ET on Zoom. You can sign up and get more information here.

Together, we can remember the ugly parts of America’s reality, while recommitting ourselves to the beautiful dream of the multiracial, multicultural republic where all belong.

— Nisha Anand, CEO, Dream Corps

P.S. — As we mark this solemn anniversary, I also encourage you to check out some resources on the anniversary shared by my friend Valarie Kaur, Sikh activist, civil rights attorney, and founder of the Revolutionary Love Project.