I don’t even know where to begin, John.
 
I was in the classroom yesterday when news broke about Uvalde. We all saw the initial reports, but we couldn’t read it while school was still in session. It was too much.
 
Nineteen children. Two teachers. This could have been my school, my students. It could have been any of our schools. It’s Sandy Hook all over again.
 
And we hadn’t even caught our breath from the racist hate attack in Buffalo just one week earlier.
 
Now, as we struggle with the weight of these senseless mass shootings, we also mark the murder of George Floyd two years ago today.
 
At times like this, many people will be shocked by the numbers. But for me, and many like me, it is vital that we remember these are not just names and statistics. These are our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers, our cherished community elders  – and our children.
 
They had hopes and joys, and dreams for the future. They deserved to live. And we deserved to have more time with them.
 
I took some time to reflect on this, and I invite you to read more here:

From Buffalo to Uvalde, from Minneapolis to Baton Rouge, the incalculable loss of each of their lives is still deeply felt. It will be for years to come.
 
George Floyd’s murder sparked a national uprising. We made clear and urgent demands for justice. Two years later, nothing has fundamentally changed.
 
But we will keep fighting because it is the only option. We won’t stop until we have dignity, peace, safety, and justice for ALL.
 
And we clearly have much work left to do.
 
Fighting for justice,
 
Adrienne Bell
Executive Director
Brand New Congress