John, last week I sent a care package to Governor Ron DeSantis — let's talk about it.
Putting together a care package is an act of empathy, John, and that's something that DeSantis has been missing from his legislative agenda for too long now. While most care packages are filled with snacks, toys, clothes, food — this one was even more special.
I added some of my favorite books, ones that would provide deep educational value, like "How to be an Antiracist" by Ibram X Kendi, "White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism" by Robin DiAngelo, and "How to be Kind in Kindergarten" by D.J. Stienberg. I even added some sage to promote the importance of self care because I know Ron has been mad stressed with all the work he's been up to.
As one of Congress's only former educators, it's crucial that I make sure that everyone has the access and ability to learn from engaging text and resources on every subject available. But Ron's track record shows that he doesn't think the same way.
For years, we've watched as DeSantis and his colleagues have moved mountains to erase and demonize our full American history. From the banning of books (like the ones I sent in his care package) to banning AP African American History in schools, his agenda only further supports a devastating divide in our nation.
While he denies his impact on spreading ignorance, hatred, and misinformation through our school systems, the truth is simple: Ron DeSantis is actively trying to erase my history, my culture, and my heritage. Without this truth in our curriculum, DeSantis's legislative reign will leave me and many others vulnerable to being oppressed and colonized by people who have done the same thing to our ancestors.
Without the truth of our collective history, we'll no longer have the empathy we so desperately need in our democracy. And without empathy, we'll only see more violence and despair. The fear about learning from another's perspective is what's wrong with America today.
This is not just my fight, John, it's all of our fights. I need you with me if we're going to turn the tides and fight for our right to learn, listen, and grow together. Please chip in today to help us strengthen our fight and bring compassion and empathy back to our democracy.
Peace and love,
Jamaal Bowman
