Friend, 

Every February, my family and I celebrate Black History Month. For the Fords, Black History Month begins with a conversation. We discuss the pertinent happenings of our time; we talk about the legacies of Black leaders; we celebrate Black icons; and we discuss what it truly means to be a Black person living in America today, and the ways in which we can continue to uplift and celebrate Black progress.

My American story isn’t one that is unfamiliar, but I’m grateful to know the story of at least one of my ancestors: William Berry, who was offered for sale as a slave in Fordyce, Arkansas. From the auction block, he protested his own sale saying, “I will not be treated like cattle. You will not sell me and separate me from my family.” Unfortunately, his words were not met with mercy. Instead, he was killed on the spot and three of his sons were sold to a slaver in Texas. One of those sons is my great, great, great-grandfather. In a time when Black men, women and children were silenced, William stood up for his own humanity. He said ‘no’ to slavery and inequality, even at the expense of his own life.

This story of my ancestry really gave new meaning to my fight for equality. I was elected to office three years ago as the first African American attorney general in Nevada and the first African American man to hold statewide constitutional office in Nevada. It is, without a doubt, the honor of a lifetime, and I don’t take my position lightly. William’s story has become a mantra for me in my day-to-day work. 

It serves as a reminder of where I came from — both as a Black man and as a Ford. But it also reminds me that there are so many individuals, families and communities that are vulnerable and continue to struggle. 

As Nevada’s attorney general, I have made it a focus of my administration to protect and advocate for Nevadans of every age, color, creed and background.

Irrespective of what backlash I may face for my choices and decisions while in office, I am determined to stand up for those who need a voice and a platform, and am determined to seek out justice at every available corner. 

— Aaron D. Ford