On Monday evening, Rep. Ted Yoho accosted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the steps of the Capitol. He called her “disgusting” and a "b*tch" simply because she had the audacity to talk about the unprecedented challenges facing so many of our communities.
Unfortunately — this is not one moment. What brings us to this place are the structural and cultural conditions and, yes, the very men who have normalized the marginalization of women and specifically women of color since this nation's very inception.
Rep. Yoho’s actions are yet another reminder that the patriarchy is a tool of oppression. And U.S. Congresswomen, too, are subject to the harassment and marginalization that countless women across this country face when they dare speak truth to power.
These tactics are all too familiar and yet, still, we rise. Our foremothers — trailblazing women elected to Congress before us — equipped us to take on a world built on contradictions and injustice. Because of them, we have learned how to walk with our heads held high.
And now, it is incumbent upon us to organize, advocate, and legislate for justice, so that we create space for the next generation.
Will you split a $5 contribution with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez right now so we can both keep fighting for justice and equity?
Contribute $5
I first stepped foot in the halls of Congress at the age of 19. My mother poured into me a sense of reverence for this institution. I walked through hallways — and I still do today — flanked by statues of men who enslaved my ancestors, in a building built by my enslaved ancestors.
While there might still be specters in these hallways set on upholding oppression and misogyny, I know that when my daughter Cora walks through these hallways today that she sees my name embossed on a plaque outside our office and lit up on the voting board above the House floor. And she sees the names Tlaib, Omar, Chu, Jayapal, Escobar, Trahan, Underwood and more.
Our very existence in Congress is proof that progress has been made, but there is still much to be achieved — we are not yet who we can be.
I speak to our daughters: you are powerful. You are limitless. Your contributions to this world are brilliant, needed, and uniquely yours. Your ideas are substantive, your lived experiences, your kind heart, and your critical eye belong at every single table where decisions are being made.
We affirm these truths to be self-evident, that women are the backbone of every family, of our communities, and we are nation builders. To Cora and all our daughters: we believe in you fully, without reservation, you have a right to show up in the world exactly as you are, and who you are is always enough.
Alexandria, myself, and our colleagues — we’re committed to building that world for all of our daughters. Join us by splitting a $5 contribution between Alexandria and our movement now.
Contribute $5
Thank you for your support.
In solidarity,
Ayanna Pressley
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