John,

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the cultural, political, and economic contributions of Black Americans, and to reflect on the work still ahead of us.

Growing up in North Carolina taught me the value of hard work, community, and service. But it wasn’t always easy.

I saw my parents work hard to set my five siblings and me up for success at a time when it was difficult to get an equitable education. It is thanks to my family’s hard work and determination that I am here today.

Though we’ve come a long way, the impacts of systemic racism reverberate in nearly every facet of our lives. We see it in restrictions on voting rights, our criminal justice system, healthcare inequity, and disparate impacts of climate change.

But this doesn’t mean there isn’t hope. Across the country, we are coming together to tackle these issues with the urgency they require.

I’ve done it before. As a state Senator, I fought to expand voting access across North Carolina and championed the fight for environmental justice in the Orange County Board of Commissioners. And in Congress, I plan on continuing my lifelong fight against systemic racism.

This Black History Month, let’s reaffirm our commitment to ending inequality and ensuring a more equitable future for our children and grandchildren.

With gratitude,

Valerie Foushee