In this essay, the Massachusetts Congresswoman reflects on the “sheroes” who came before her, and the sense of responsibility to them that motivates her drive for justice.
By Ayanna Pressley Feb 04, 2021 @ 8:00 am
For our February Badass Woman Issue, we tasked the Massachusetts Congresswoman, and member of “The Squad”, to put pen to paper and share her story. In the essay, she reveals what drives her and details the importance of serving our country at this critical moment. An excerpt of her inspiring words are available in the magazine, in stores now, and the whole piece appears below.
My mother, Sandy Pressley, was an activist, an advocate, and an organizer. She didn’t raise me to ask permission to lead.
Instead of traditional bedtime stories, my mother told me stories of Black liberation and empowerment. She read me the speeches of Barbara Jordan and Shirley Chisholm. She taught me the words to “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” She made sure I knew that I was powerful.
Often, I remind myself that I am not here in Congress simply to occupy space, I am here to create it.
I walk into every room shoulders back, head held high, reminded that I am the manifestation of the legacy of Barbara and Shirley and so many women who have been on the frontlines of the pursuit of justice for generations — many unnoted in our history books, but indelibly imprinted on the lives of our families and communities.
Ayanna Pressley sur ‘Baby Bonds’ Bill
https://www.facebook.com/ayannapressley2/posts/10157468033476750
Commentaire: Ici, on se rend bien compte qu’il est certainement mieux de commencer la vie d’adulte avec quelques sous d’epargne, plutot que des tonnes de dettes dont on n’arrive plus a se debarasser!!!
