 |
 |
Dear friend,
When I arrived at the White House on the morning of June 26, 2015, I didn’t know it would be a day for the history books. But by evening’s end I had the chance to witness one of the most extraordinary days of President Obama’s eight years in office. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality, President Obama paid tribute to Reverend Pinckney and his eight parishioners, and the White House shone with a new pride for all to see.
|
To mark the five year anniversary, watch this video, which tells the story of that unforgettable day through those of us who experienced it firsthand.
That morning’s decision was decades in the making. It was a moment made possible by the work of activists who demanded justice, government leaders who took action, and millions of ordinary Americans who dared to live openly and challenge their government to honor their commitment.
These are the types of stories we’re working to bring to the Obama Presidential Center—the moments of joy and hardship, celebration and anxiety, loss and grace that pave the road of progress.
The work of perfecting our union can often feel slow, sometimes unbearably so, and steps toward equality can be met with steps backward. But once in a while, decades of protest, advocacy, and leadership lead to days like that of June 26, five years ago, when justice arrived “like a thunderbolt.”
I hope you’ll spend some time reliving this incredible day.
—Valerie |
Donate to empower rising leaders bringing hope to their communities.
|
|
|
|
