Rep. Ayanna Pressley said on the floor of the House that the Black Lives Matter movement is a “mandate,” and the time has come for people to “pay us what they owe us.”
“I stand up today on behalf of all black families who have been robbed of a child,” said the Massachusetts congresswoman and member of “The Squad.” “On behalf of every family member who has been forced to watch their loved one lynched on national television. Drive in black. Jogging while black. Sleeping in black. We have been criminalized for the way we show ourselves in the world. Under the harsh gaze of too many, my black body is seen as a threat, always considered armed. “
“Centuries of institutionalized oppression will not be undone overnight, because racism in the United States is as structural as the marble pillars of this same institution,” added the Democrat. “With the power of the pen we must legislate accountability, dismantle these systems, and move in the direction of justice and healing. The Police Justice Act is a critical step forward, and I applaud the leadership of the Black Caucus. of the Congress ”.
Pressley continued: “But our work is unfinished. There is a rallying cry in communities across the country. Black Lives Matter is a mandate from the people. Is the time. Pay us what you owe us. Our black skin is not a crime, it is the beautiful robe of the nation’s builders. “
Rep. Ayanna Pressley: “Black Lives Matter is a mandate from the people. It is time to pay us what you owe us. Our black skin is not a crime. It is the beautiful robe of nationbuilders.” pic.twitter.com/48avufRaif
– The Hill (@thehill) June 26, 2020
Pressley followed up his statement in Congress with a tweet explaining that the country is currently in a “time of reckoning.”
The fights we are in today are old fights, but I am hopeful.
We are in a moment of reckoning, and our movement is strong, sustainable, and focused on achieving the systemic change that our communities so desperately need. pic.twitter.com/dErEUiJyOy
– Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) June 26, 2020
Pressley’s words come as Black Lives Matter has grown in importance and seen an increase in fundraising, amid peaceful protests and riots that have swept across the country since George Floyd’s death on May 25.
Greater New York President Black Lives Matter said this week that if the United States does not give the movement what it is asking for, “we will burn this system down and replace it.”
The comment was heard by President Trump, who referred to him as “treason.”
Black Lives leader Matter says, “If the United States doesn’t give us what we want, we will burn this system down and replace it.” This is treason, seduction, insurrection!
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 25, 2020
Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors said On CNN last week, one of his group’s goals is to remove Trump from office.
