The following are a few examples of how we all *should* respond to the Racist-in-Chief: 1) the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus’ Richmond Commemoration Events for the 400th Anniversary; 2) Del. Ibraheem Samirah’s protest at the speech in Jamestown. And no, attending the speech without walking out or whatever (let alone actually sitting on stage and shaking Trump’s hand, as LG Fairfax did) is most certainly not the way to respond to Trump. Nor is wearing white (what does that even mean???).
“Mr. President, you can’t send us back, Virginia is our home!”
Protester holding “Deport Hate” and “Reunite My Family” signs interrupts Pres. Trump’s remarks at Jamestown 400th anniversary celebration. https://t.co/M5slGg72vA pic.twitter.com/Jxx2t3rPfv
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 30, 2019
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UPDATE 3:45 pm: I’m really glad to see the following from Del. Alfonso Lopez – thank you! – who was joined at the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus events in Richmond earlier today by: Del. Marcia Price, Del. Jeion Joyner Ward, Del. Charniele Herring, Sen. Jennifer McClellan, House Democratic Leader Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, Del. Delores L. McQuinn, Del. Mark Sickles, Del. Lashrecse Aird, Del. Hala Ayala, Del. Lamont Bagby, Del. Marcia Price, Del. Kathleen Murphy, Del. Cheryl Turpin, Del. Dawn M Adams, Del. Lashrecse Aird, Del. Kathy Tran, Del. Paul Krizek, Del. Betsy Carr, Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Rep. Donald McEachin, etc. I’m also glad to see that Gov. Ralph Northam skipped the Trump portion of today’s Jamestown events, and also that AG Mark Herring left Jamestown before the Racist-in-Chief spoke, and instead headed to Richmond for the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus events. As Del. Lopez puts it, “I refused to attend any events where Trump was present” and “I reject any attempt to normalize his behavior.” Exactly!
Today I stood proudly with my friends and colleagues in the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus at events in Richmond!
July 30th is the 400th anniversary of the first meeting of the oldest representative legislature in the Western hemisphere – what became the Virginia House of Delegates. In 1619 Virginians began what has become the American form of legislative democracy which has inspired generations and been a standard to create a better nation and world.
Ceremonies have been planned for months to commemorate this day – AND to acknowledge our nation’s history of racial oppression begun when the first African slaves were brought to Jamestown. The commemoration of both events – and what we can learn from them – is important.
However, a President who systematically works to erode our democratic institutions – who regularly hurls insults at those who disagree with him – who practices in the politics of division and hatred – who has no problem regularly making racist tweets and statements – and who consistently demonizes/attacks immigrant families and communities – by his presence fundamentally undermines the purpose of the event.
With that in mind, while I attended preliminary Jamestown commemoration events on July 29th, I refused to attend any events where Trump was present. Simply put, I reject any attempt to normalize his behavior.
Instead, today I stood with the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus in commemoration of this important anniversary – and to recommit ourselves to what we will do together to create a “more perfect” Virginia.
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