I was born in Arlington on April 17, 1967 and I lived on Lowell Street in South Arlington and grew up in the DMV knowing and feeling what racism and discrimination was on a daily basis being a victim of it. This fight against racism continues today as Arlington County Board and the Manager publicly admitted in 2020 that our County is still systemically racist. This started a movement that is building and will hold them accountable to change what a lot of us know here is unfair treatment of employees and citizens of color when it comes to hiring in upper management positions of power, salaries, pay increases, housing, demotions, and layoffs. Although I believe change is here, nothing will ever change until we see change in some of the major leadership positions. We need new leaders whom are seriously committed to racial diversity and equity through action and not just talk. Policies and laws need to be created that holds everyone accountable for treating everyone respectful and equally, regardless of color, age, gender, sexual preference, ethnicity, weight, height and political affiliation. All Human Beings on this earth should have the same human rights and be treated with respect regardless of anything. White privilege needs to be the thing of the past and abolished like slavery so there are no advantages given to one group of people over another, which is why we currently need affirmative action in place.

In closing, I will continue to speak up for racial justice and equality because “when there is injustice anywhere, there is injustice everywhere” Martin Luther King Jr. I would also like to quote President Obama when he said “We are the change we been looking for.” Detroit activist Grace Lee Boggs at 91 years of age said “We are the leaders we’ve been looking for” and when I retire from here one day, I will become more active in activism in this area because it is my passion to see all Humans treated equally and fair.