“All Men are created equal…endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted…deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.” – Declaration of Independence, July 1776
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the core principles that led to the birth of our Nation. A Nation built on values of justice, equity, opportunity, hope. A Nation whose story is marked by an unshakable commitment to march forward-closer to fulfilling its promise. A Nation that is still yearning to live to the fullness of its ideals.
Like you, I have had moments of discouragement and frustration. But time and time again, I return to a place of HOPE. A place where there is undeniable assurance that change is POSSIBLE.
A place where Martin, the son of a migrant worker, completed his training at Digital NEST and is now working at Adobe and giving back to his community.
A place where Christian, the son of Guatemalan parents, graduated from Georgetown University and worked with kids in Harlem, NY to help them complete high school and get into college.
A place where Amber and Anna, daughters of Peruvian parents, march with their mother, aunts, and cousins to demand justice for immigrant families.
A place where Anais, daughter of Mexican parents, graduated from UC Berkeley and took her son to the Capitol to walk the halls where elected officials write laws to govern our land.
A place where Masha, an immigrant from Russia, lives out her dream of organizing and lifting leaders working to create opportunities for Latino families in Chicago and now in California.
We are a Nation of Hope. A Nation where progress is possible because of YOU – and your unwavering commitment to hold on to and fight for the promise of our Democracy.
Eighteen Tuesdays from today, we will be voting in one of the most critical midterm elections. I implore you to choose hope and use your voting power to draw us closer to the America we all long for. This 4th of July find out if your family and friends are registered. If they are not, register them.
Then…ORGANIZE. VOTE. And, ELECT the leaders that represent your values.
We determine the direction of our Nation. We can decide if we will go forward in our march for progress. Or, yield to those who set us back. You decide.
And, that my friends, is at the core of Independence Day.
Jacqueline Martinez Garcel
View Photos of Families Belong Together Rally here
CALL YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES
Call your local representatives and express your outrage around family separations. Urge your Members of Congress to use Congress’ oversight authority to stop criminalizing and jailing families. Find your representatives here.
CONTRIBUTE
View a list of organizations working to reunite families here.
Looking to make a real impact in your community? Our organization combines culture, passion, hard work and laughter. We are looking for a Philanthropy Manager and Civic Engagement Fellow.
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