Picking up the Torch

Today was an inspiring day. I sat down with a bunch of women who I have known since my childhood and they shared with me stories from their lives about the struggles and inequalities they had encountered. From the struggle to be allowed to wear pants at work, to some truly appalling stories of sexual harassment and discrimination they had encountered. These are the women who cared for me, supported me, and influenced me when I was a child and young adult. Now these are the women who are supporting me as I take on the challenge of running for office a realm that has been dominated by men throughout the history of this country. I am grateful for the wisdom and experience of these women and I am honored to take up the torch and continue the battle for equality, not just for women, but for all people who have been marginalized and disempowered by the traditional systems that uphold the power of the few and deny the rights and very personhood of the many. This is why I walk, this is why I knock.