John, Happy Mother’s Day!

Today, like every other Mother’s Day, I’m honoring my inspiration, role model, and personal hero: my mother, Mildred.

Here is my mother, Mildred, with my son, Tony, holding my grandsons, Jonah, Jordan and Joshua. I hope this makes you smile too!

Born in 1924, Mildred P. Massey broke boundaries in order to create a more perfect union and just country — which you and I continue to fight for to this day.

My mother was nothing short of a pioneer. In 1955, she was a member of the first class of twelve students to integrate what is now the University of Texas at El Paso.

Without her example and the lessons she instilled in me, I would not have been able to serve my community as an activist, a political aide, a small business owner, a member of the California State Legislature, and eventually, the great honor of being a United States Congresswoman.

On this special day, I hope you’re able to spend time with family. And don’t forget to cherish the mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and other motherly figures who have helped shape us into the people we are today.

To all the mothers out there, thank you for your immeasurable impacts.

In solidarity,

Barbara Lee