In the face of so much fear, hate and anger, many ask me where I find my strength. The answer is simple: I know that we are ready for this moment. Trump’s corrupt and incompetent presidency has only created division, while progressives are united together for change.
Under the rallying cries of “political revolution” and “not me, us,” Senator Bernie Sanders inspired millions. In 2018, record numbers of women of color ran for office, including four trailblazers who shook the nation: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib.
This year, Jamaal Bowman, Mondaire Jones and I campaigned with an unapologetically progressive agenda—Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, free higher education, canceling student debt and protecting union—all within the larger fight for Black lives.
Our primary victories are proof that vocal, intersectional leadership mobilizes voters. It is time for us to rebuild our nation with equity and justice for all—what Jamaal and Mondaire call our generation’s Reconstruction.
Like Harriet Tubman, we’re going to reach back into our communities and bring everyone with us.
Because the disabled community has a place in our movement. Immigrants have a place in our movement. The unhoused population has a place in our movement. Farmers and teachers, veterans, and union workers, anyone who is committed to equity and justice, all have a place in our movement.
History shows that sustained mobilization is the only way to create social change.
I get my strength from the millions of my sisters and brothers, voting today, organizing tomorrow. We’re not just fighting for ourselves, and we’re not fighting alone. We’re fighting for our friends, our neighbors, our loved ones—and for everyone we don’t know. And our movement is bringing their voices to Congress. Regardless of what the result is this week.
This is our moment. We are ready.
Cori Bush is a nurse, single mother, ordained pastor, community activist, and was just elected as Missouri’s first Black congresswoman.
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