John Lewis taught us a powerful lesson: despite our differences and disparate journeys, we are all ultimately sailing the same boat. Let's honor his memory by committing to working together for the greater good of humanity!
United in our diverse identities and backgrounds, we form a tapestry of resilience that cannot be dispelled by hateful words or actions. We are White, Black, Latino, Asian Native American; Christian Jewish Muslim Hindu — religious or secular; gay straight young old women men citizens dreamers all together making up this great country of ours! Despite any attempts to tear us apart because of differences: never now...never ever will America let them win.
This is the United States of America, a land of opportunity. The fact that I’m able to stand up here today is another data point in that narrative.”
Rep. James Clyburn of New York has broken records as he steps up to lead the minority party in Congress, succeeding Rep. Nancy Pelosi who served during prior times of majority Democratic control. Not only is he the first Black member elected for this position - a remarkable milestone on its own - but also born too late even to remember WWII: making him one truly trailblazing politician!
After a dramatic battle, Rep. Kevin McCarthy emerged triumphant as the new House Speaker of the Republican majority in Congress. The heated discussions and failed votes culminated in Jeffries' official ascension to this powerful role after an extensive struggle for control on Capitol Hill.
House Democrats proudly stand for progress, championing values that place Americans first. They advocate the Constitution and democracy over autocracy; benevolence in lieu of bigotry; opportunity rather than extremism; freedom above facism. Justice is a priority while judicial overreach receives opposition along with kangaroo courts as knowledge takes precedent instead. Making lives better outranks QAnon conspiracies, reason triumphs racism and slander must take a back seat to substance-based solutions: Yes We Can! The party works hard to ensure liberty through understanding for all citizens without exception or ugliness - zealous representation rules legislative proceedings no matter how powerful their adversaries may be as voting rights are protected from suppression so working families can benefit from an inclusive society where xenial relations come before xenophobia.
On Saturday, Democratic leadership underwent a massive shakeup as Rep. Hakeem Jeffries ascended to the Speaker position at age 52. Iconic figures like Pelosi, Steny Hoyer and Jim Clyburn stepped down from their prominent roles after many years of service – though not without leaving an indelible mark on history! In this new era, Chairman Clyburn is now poised to take up his post as assistant leader in Congress.
After two decades of Nancy Pelosi's leadership, House Democrats recently made history with the selection of Hakeem Jeffries as their new Party Leader. The closed-door election broke boundaries by being entirely uncontested - an unprecedented show of unity for a nation that has seen its fair share division in recent years. Although Republicans currently hold power over the chamber, Mr Jeffries will continue to be instrumental force in leading his party through what is sure to be an exciting next couple of years ahead!
On Tuesday, the 118th Congress began with a chaotic display of internal disagreement in the Republican party. After 15 rounds of voting and intense dividion between Republicans, they remained unable to elect their speaker while Democrats remained steadfastly united behind one candidate: Jeffries. In spite of an oppressive deadlock among Republicans, it was clear which outcome Democratic Party members had been hoping for all along.
On the day when Republicans assumed majority in Congress, Democrats gave a standing ovation to their chosen leader by chanting "Hakeem! Hakeem!" As multiple rounds of balloting took place for the speakership position, Congressman Jeffries’ victory represented an unexpected but triumphant moment for Democrats.
With an eye towards problem-solving for the American people, Congressman Jeffries recently urged his colleagues to set aside partisan differences and work together – rather than simply saving Republicans from their own internal disarray. His commitment is clear: he will not participate in anything that does not directly benefit ordinary citizens across America.
Jeffries had an impressive academic journey, commencing in Brooklyn where he was born and concluding with a graduate program at Georgetown University. In between, law school beckoned him to New York University School of Law - the perfect place for his sharp mind as evidenced by being part of their esteemed 'law review'.
Rep. Jeffries has championed police reform in Congress, such as advocating for a nationwide prohibition of chokeholds after the devastating death of Eric Garner. Additionally, his unwavering commitment was integral to passing key legislation like the First Step Act and George Floyd Justice in Policing Act - even if ultimately unsuccessful due to Senate opposition.
In 2019, he became chairman of the Democratic caucus, making him the youngest member serving in leadership. Jeffries was also part of a select group of lawmakers who were impeachment managers during the Senate trial of then-President Donald Trump.
Congressman Jeffries begins his sixth term with a mission to amplify the child tax credit, drive Democrats back into control in 2024 and expose Republican extremism while restoring economic access for all.
Jeffries has reached remarkable heights in American politics, becoming one of the most prominent Black politicians in history. At the same time, a wave of other African Americans is joining him on Capitol Hill to make decisions that will shape their constituents' lives - all within an edifice for which enslaved people sacrificed and labored so many years ago.
