Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with my fellow Americans with alopecia in recognition of September as Alopecia Areata Awareness Month. Today, like nearly 7 million Americans, I live with alopecia, an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicles. This common condition is highly unpredictable and cyclical. Hair can grow back in or fall out again at any time, and the course is different for each person. Alopecia areata disproportionately affects children and Black Americans, and particularly Black women. Some people may say that it is just hair, but for me and for many people living with alopecia, hair is intrinsically linked to our identity and our cultural expression. We all have our own unique stories with our alopecia diagnosis. Mine began nearly a year ago as my braider noticed a small patch of baldness. Very soon after, I was waking up to sinks full of hair. What started as a few small patches quickly spread. I remember the moment vividly. I was alone in my D.C. apartment, separated from my family, on the same day that would have been my mother's 72nd birthday and on the eve of an impeachment vote. I was standing in the bathroom, staring at my reflection in the mirror, and for the first time I was completely bald. For months, I had dreaded the moment when it would be all gone; but looking at myself in the mirror that night, I felt relief, peace, and acceptance. It was a moment of grace, and I thank God for that.…”