Representation

My granddaughter, Sequoia is a smart, beautiful and tender-hearted young woman.  She is biracial.  Barack Obama was the first full term President in Sequoia’s life, the first President she would remember in her life.  Her first image of the highest ranking leader in our Nation looked like her.  Representation sends a message to children.  Representation makes a difference when children imagine who or how they might be when they grow up. There was such joy and optimism.  

Sequoia was 13, almost 14 when George Floyd was murdered by the Police.  It was not new that Black and brown folks have been murdered by the Police, but there was an outcry from the public: “Black Lives Matter” that was unprecedented.  People everywhere in the streets calling for racial justice.  Representation shows children a path for resistance.  There was renewed hope for the struggle.

Sequoia turned 18 two weeks ago.  She will be a registered voter soon.

And for the first Presidential Election of her lifetime, she will have a chance to vote for the first woman, first Black and Brown woman EVER in this Country.  Representation gives children the power to see themselves as leaders, with voice and vision for a kinder, more just world.

Let’s join Sequoia and vote for representation for millions and millions of black, brown, female identified, allies for justice….children of today and for generations to come.

Katie Kissinger