Hi John, it’s Stacey Abrams again and I want to tell you a story.

But first, tomorrow I will step on stage to finally confront Brian Kemp on his dangerous agenda for Georgians. That’s why my team made a goal to raise $500,000 before our rematch Monday night.

So John, will you invest $25 — or even $5 — right now into this campaign? Every cent of your contribution will fuel our efforts to reach voters and get out the Early Vote — which begins tomorrow.

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In 1991, I graduated as the valedictorian of Avondale High School. Like most Georgia valedictorians, I was invited to meet the Governor of Georgia at the Governor’s Mansion.

It was a big deal for my family. That morning, I got up and put on my Sunday best. My parents and I boarded the MARTA bus with the other riders who could not afford a car.

We took MARTA all the way from DeKalb County to Buckhead, got off at West Paces Ferry Road, and walked up the long driveway to the big black gates around the property. When we got to the guard station, the guard looked at my parents, then he looked at me and said, “This is a private event, you don’t belong here.”

He looked over our shoulder at the MARTA bus driving away and he told himself a story about who would be on that bus — and in his story, they did not belong in the Governor’s Mansion.

My parents pushed back and I got in. But looking back on that day, I don’t remember meeting the Governor of Georgia. I don’t even remember celebrating my accomplishments with valedictorians from 159 counties and 180 school districts. The only thing I remember is a man blocking the gates of the most powerful place in Georgia, telling me that I did not belong.

For years, I have spent my life in public service opening the gates of opportunity for those often left behind. And I am not going to quit now, John.

In these final hours before I step on the debate stage, I’m humbly asking that you put aside any misgivings you may have about politics right now and help me make a real difference in the lives of millions of Georgians. If you are able, can you chip in $5 to help me get my message out to voters in every corner of Georgia? Every cent and every second is critical in these final days, and we must reach our Debate Night Fund goal before tomorrow’s deadline.

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Let’s open those gates for good, John.

— Stacey Abrams