Yesterday, we witnessed the outcome of the hatred, vitriol, dogma, lies and conspiracy theories espoused by elected officials charged with the sacred duty of leading our country and who are sworn to uphold and defend our Constitution and democracy. The attempt to incite a riot to overturn the result of a free and fair election is a shameful and seditious act, reminiscent of dictators and demagogues.
Since its founding, the United States has sought to be a beacon of freedom and democracy for the world. Throughout its history, immigrants and refugees have made the often life-threatening journey to our shores in order to seek refuge, safety, freedom, and a life free from fear and persecution. My family is no different. And while our democracy and our nation is far from perfect, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color continue to fight and struggle for basic human rights on a daily basis, our nation rests on the premise that every time we cast a vote, that vote will be counted, and the will of the people to select our leaders will be carried out. Yesterday’s violence was an attempt to nullify those rights and our collective voice, reflecting the fear and anger of white supremacists who are fast becoming a small but dangerous minority in our country.
But we cannot let white supremacy and hatred win. We must continue to vote, organize, and protest to demand our rights, and create the country that we want to live in. TSNE’s mission is to build a more just and equitable society, but justice and equity are rarely given freely. Yesterday’s insurrection is evidence that our democracy can be fragile, and that our collective work is critical and urgent now, more than ever. Thank you for your part in making us a better nation and together we can, and must, create a more just and equitable society.