Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow citizens of this great nation,

Today is a call to action—a call to justice, recognition, and healing. It is a call that echoes the pain and the triumphs of our ancestors, the enslaved African Americans who built this land with their hands and tears. It resonates with a history that is not just black history but American history.

I stand before you not as a lone voice but as a descendant of those enslaved, with the collective weight of their legacy urging us to act. The “Matters of BLACK Symbolized Hate Speech and Reconciliation Act of 2023” is not just a piece of legislation; it is a pivotal step towards recognizing the symbols that have perpetuated hate, addressing the lingering wounds, and embracing the values of justice, equality, and a more perfect union.

This is a momentous occasion, and as we embark on this journey together, let us remember that we are united by something far greater than our differences: our shared commitment to honoring the legacy of the enslaved African Americans and striving for a nation where their descendants, and indeed all of us, are truly free and equal.

I want to talk to you about the “Matters of BLACK Symbolized Hate Speech and Reconciliation Act of 2023.” Now, I know legal jargon can sound intimidating, but please bear with me, for this is about all of us.

Think of symbols, those images, and objects that sometimes evoke strong emotions. Some symbols connect us with joy and pride, but others remind us of a painful past. And those are the symbols I want to talk about today.

Our country has seen times when certain symbols were misused to spread hate, to tell people they were less valuable, less human, just because of the color of their skin. Those symbols may seem silent, but they speak volumes to many.

Now, we’re not here to erase history or stifle freedom of speech. But we must recognize that not all symbols should be treated equally. Some have been used to perpetuate injustice, and those need to be addressed.

This Act is not about punishing or dividing; it’s about understanding and healing. It’s about saying to each other that we hear the pain, we see the injustice, and we want to make things right.

We can’t change the past, but we can acknowledge it, learn from it, and build a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

So, I urge you, not as a politician but as a fellow citizen, to support this Act. Let’s make it more than a piece of paper; let’s make it a symbol of our commitment to each other, a pledge that we will stand together, united by compassion and understanding.

Let’s prove that we are a nation that can face its past, heal its wounds, and move forward with hope and purpose.

Thank you, and may we all be guided by wisdom, compassion, and the unshakable belief that we can create a better future for everyone.

God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America.