My story is America's story. Three generations ago, my grandparents worked as sharecroppers in rural North Carolina, farming someone else's land. My parents left school early but later earned their GEDs while working at our local manufacturing plant to put food on our table. Today, I'm pursuing my doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. This journey from sharecropping to the Ivy League in just three generations represents the promise of America and the power of opportunity.
But for too many Americans today, that promise feels out of reach. The middle class is shrinking, medical bills are driving families into bankruptcy, and young people can't afford homes in the communities where they grew up. Meanwhile, our politics has become so divided that families can't even sit down together for holiday meals anymore.
I'm running for DNC Vice Chair because I know America can do better. The Democratic Party must reconnect with communities that have historically been our backbone while reaching out to Americans who feel left behind. When I talk to Black men in my community, they tell me they don't see themselves in our party anymore. When I speak with rural voters, they say our message doesn't address their daily struggles. When I visit manufacturing towns, workers wonder if anyone in Washington understands their challenges.
As someone who worked in a manufacturing plant during college breaks, comes from a small town, and has lived both the struggles and the opportunities of American life, I understand these concerns firsthand. I know that Democratic policies are making a difference – from the Inflation Reduction Act to historic infrastructure investments – but we must better show Americans how these victories improve their daily lives.
My vision for the Democratic Party is rooted in three core beliefs:
Kitchen table issues must be our priority. Healthcare affordability, living wages, affordable housing, quality education, and family-supporting jobs aren't just policy points – they're the foundation of American dignity.
Our big tent must truly be big enough for everyone. We need leadership that reflects our diverse coalition and policies that speak to Americans from all walks of life – urban and rural, coastal and heartland, and the working class.
We must translate our progress into real impact. It's not enough to pass good legislation—we need to show Americans how Democratic victories put food on their tables, money in their pockets, and opportunity in their communities.