John,

During Black History Month, we celebrate and honor the incredible accomplishments of Black Americans. We reflect on how they have shaped our nation and changed the world. And we look to the past for guidance on how we might make a more equitable future for all.

We must continue fighting for racial justice not just by talking about it every February, but by leading through the policies we pass. That means building an economy that works for all. It means ending poll taxes, voter suppression, redlining, and blatant discrimination in all its forms.

As we continue to reflect on history and seek to become more effective allies and advocates, I recommend looking into two organizations that are doing incredible work in the new IL-06:

• Black Millennial Renaissance is an organization working to end racism through education and community building. In the spirit of the civil rights movement, they are answering the call of today's moment, and seek to empower society to heal the wounds of slavery and the decades of discrimination and oppression that have followed.
• The NAACP of DuPage County has been active for more than 50 years. This month, their education committee is presenting a powerful video presentation about the great cultures of Africa, the middle passage, and life in America for those of African descent.

Black History is American History, and I hope we all can take the chance to learn more and educate ourselves.

Sincerely,

Marie