Melissa D. DeRosa
"Our country is facing a historic crossroads: two crises converging at the same time. The pain and fear that we’re confronting at this moment threaten to overtake us, but they can also unify us and make us stronger. As a nation—and certainly as New Yorkers—we will clear a path forward, even though at times it may feel impossible.
In New York State, we beat back COVID-19 by coming together, united in resolve and in purpose.
We put the good of the collective over the individual, and we made change happen. We flattened the curve, and we saved lives. We now must use that same energy and unity and resolve to confront and beat back 400 years of systemic racism
and discrimination, which have prevailed in this country for far too long.
I have hope, but even more than hope, I have faith—that in this moment of national pain, there is opportunity for constructive change. By uniting around a concrete agenda of justice and reform, by voting and electing leaders committed to seeing it through, by participating in the census and making sure you’re counted. By recognizing the will of the people and the fact that this time needs to be different, that we can—and we must—make inroads for racial justice."