I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my mother, the light and inspiration that has led me down this path today.
Growing up, my mother emphasized the importance of my education and the value of fighting. From a young age, I excelled academically, even being invited to a gifted program on the westside of Cleveland. But with my father working and our lack of transportation, my zip code excluded me from this opportunity.
Despite my disappointment, my mother taught me not to complain but to be the change we want to see. We doubled down, ensuring I would excel the best I could with the tools I had, never giving up, all while my mother continued to fight for my place in the gifted program. With time, our fight paid off, allowing me to bus across the city to attend classes. My mother’s persistence instilled in me a drive to fight that I still carry today.
I tell this story to show the willpower and drive we must bring with us today as we navigate tumultuous times.Governing is a fight, and like my mother, we must persist. This gridlock and divisiveness are engineered by a Republican Party that’d rather do nothing than work alongside Democrats to deliver for the people.
To overcome this adversity, we must be the change we want to see. That’s why my team and I are dedicated to flipping Ohio blue. With a neck and neck Senate race and several vulnerable House races, Ohio is our best chance at increasing our Democratic power in Congress to deliver for the people.
From our reproductive rights and voting rights to gun violence prevention and police brutality, we must not forget the long battle. We have fought for our rights and freedoms for decades, and despite our current adversaries, we will persist.
As a Cuyahoga County Council member and Chairwoman of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, Shontel Brown has spent the last decade serving the people of Ohio and building coalitions. Now, as the Congresswoman for Ohio’s 11th District, she will fight for affordable quality health care, jobs that pay fair wages, a strong public education system, and equity and justice for all. Will you join her and be the change we need?
