Wednesday night was perfect … my campaign kickoff with my family and friends and a live example on what we can do.
On icy Wednesday night with so many other actions and events happening, a group gathered in my apartment in Dutch Kills, Queens for my campaign kickoff. It may have been a small gathering on an icy night during the busy holiday season … but it was perfect.
My Mom came to help me prepare, she made delicious brisket mini sandwiches, latkes, and cupcakes — which she really dislikes baking and finds my fascination with them odd. I am so happy my Mom could be there, to help with prep but mostly because it is always good to have your Mom with you giving you support when you embark on something new and scary.
In no small part, I am running because it is not something my Mom, or her mom, or my Dad’s mom, or my aunts never thought was possible for them. Strange that these women who instilled in me my values, my feminism, and my belief that I can achieve anything did so based not on their experience but on their belief that it would be better, easier, equal, for their daughters, granddaughters, and nieces.
Right before my kickoff was Impeachment Eve and right after I spoke it was the impeachment vote. I find this fitting … an unplanned perfectly timed twist of fate.
On November 9, 2016, I could not conceive of an impeachment but three years later, here we are. On November 9, 2016, I had no idea that New York State was not the progressive state I thought it was and certainly I had no idea that I would have a role in changing that. On November 9, 2016 I did not think I could be an activist, organizer, or run for office, but here I am three years later an activist and organizer running for office.
After I spoke on Wednesday night we watched the votes and declaration of impeachment. We applauded and took pictures of CSPAN on my TV. Everyone in my apartment on Wednesday night had a role in impeachment — marching, calling elected leaders, organizing, canvassing, getting out the vote, voting, and marching and calling again.
In no small part, I am also running because over the last three years I realized what is possible, what we can do together … be it push for impeachment or change New York State.
Wednesday night was perfect … my campaign kickoff with my family and friends and a live example on what we can do.
Onward to 2020!
