Independence Day

As we celebrate Independence Day, I have been reflecting on what it means to be an American.

Ours is a country unlike any other. Only America could foster a story like mine, of someone born into poverty but made it into a presidential administration, Harvard Law School, and—soon enough—Congress. I wake up every day grateful to call America home.

Of course, we know there’s still so much work to be done to make this country live up to its highest ideals.

The fact is, not everyone in this country can celebrate their independence today. Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor were not free from police violence. Tens of millions of unemployed people cannot live independently as their rent and mortgage payments are due. Essential workers cannot live independently while their wages remain stagnant as their healthcare costs skyrocket. Small business owners are struggling for independence while the COVID pandemic keeps them out of business or operating at significantly reduced capacity.

Still, there are many reasons to feel that things can get better. Not least of which is the success of candidates like myself.

I am reminded of Frederick Douglass’ speech titled, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Douglass concludes his speech on an optimistic note: “I do not despair of this country . . . . I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope. While drawing encouragement from the Declaration of Independence, the great principles it contains, and the genius of American Institutions, my spirit is also cheered by the obvious tendencies of the age.”

I love this country. It is because of this love that I, like you, am committed to making it a better place to live for all of us. We can, and must, take this moment to produce real, lasting change. And I know that with you by my side, we will.

In solidarity,

Mondaire

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