Political Quotes

“(English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) I rise today to honor the women in my community as we prepare to return home to our districts for Mother's Day. I've said before that I'm the proud daughter of my courageous immigrant mother, Maria Elvira Ramirez. A woman who almost drowned in the Rio Grande and sacrificed so much to give me a chance at a better life. A woman who, to this day, never fails to lend a hand and offer support and guiding words to anyone in IL-03 who needs it. She is a mother for the whole community. And as I honor my mother, I can't forget women who have also served as mothers to community, including: Elvira Arellano, Juanita Barraza, Nancy Aardema, Leticia Barrera, Catherine Garcia, and Julieta Alcantar. Each of these ``mujeres'' have nurtured, cared for, and supported whole communities, extending their love and compassion. As ``madres de communidad,'' they have: taught us how to care for each other and keep each other safe; defended our causes and protected our dreams; created safe spaces and encouraged us to be our authentic selves. These mothers have taught us that love is both gentle and fierce. They taught us how to fight for each other and to stand firmly against that which seeks to destroy us: unaffordable housing, gun violence, a broken immigration system, and more. These mothers taught us to stand up for each other--not only for their children, but for all children.…”