Today, we mourn the death of Ahmaud Arbery. Exactly two years ago, he was murdered while on an afternoon jog.
And just this week, his killers were charged with federal hate crimes. This is right and necessary for accountability — but true justice would have been for Ahmaud to still have breath in his body.
I grieve for his family, who have been robbed of the chance to hug their son ever again. I pray for their peace.
This killing was a 21st-century lynching. It’s another painful reason the Emmett Till Antilynching Act needs to become law. And it’s another painful reminder that Rand Paul single-handedly blocked that legislation — and that he’s the sole reason that lynching is not a federal crime.
Politicians like Rand would rather block anti-lynching legislation, spread lies about the 2020 election, and harm our LGBT children than make sure everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, gainful life.
But as I continue our travels across Kentucky, meeting people from all walks of life, I realize more and more that our purpose — our work — is bigger than just running for one office or replacing one shameful politician.
It’s to continue the work for justice, until everyone has the ability to safely jog in their neighborhood, peacefully sleep in their beds, lift their voices in pursuit of healing, and pursue their dreams in every corner of our country.
Our work is about coming together, from the Hood to the Holler. It’s about love, justice, community, and healing. No matter what.
And I would be honored if you would join us.
Together,
Charles
