Because my Portuguese grandmother faced discrimination in Florida under Jim Crow laws, being asked to leave restaurants and restrooms due to her sun-kissed skin.
Because my son, blessed with that stunning skin tone and tight, curly hair—traits he inherited despite my husband’s fair complexion—has been questioned by adults about why his skin is darker than his sisters’, even when their features are strikingly alike.
Because we must stop viewing each other solely through the lens of color; we’re all human, and I refuse to let my children grow up in a world that boxes them in for someone else’s comfort.
Because I have two incredible daughters destined to light up this world, and they don’t need anyone’s permission to shine.
Because I’m a blue-haired, 43-year-old wife of a lifelong Republican who would rather abstain from voting than not support me (I’m still working to get him to switch sides).
Because I grew up with teen parents who struggled to make ends meet, relying on food stamps and welfare while living in a cramped room above a women’s shelter, and now I’m fortunate enough to be in the top 1%. I remember that life’s circumstances don’t define someone’s worth, drive, or intelligence—everyone deserves their shot.
Because I hold onto hope that even though 90% of my friends lean toward Trump (likely for tax benefits), they truly support a different candidate deep down.
Because I choose love and hope over the hate, judgment, and division that seem to flood our world.
Because I believe she can do this (and I’m battling a paralyzing fear of jinxing her by sharing this).
I am with you.
I. Am. With. Her.
This article was originally published on November 7, 2016.
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In summary, the narrative weaves together personal experiences of discrimination, hope, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of unity and understanding in a divided world.