As the current session of Congress nears its end, Americans bid farewell to two influential members of the “Squad” – Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman. However, their departure from Congress was met with a surprising lack of attendance at their farewell speeches.
Both Bush and Bowman made headlines when they were elected to Congress in 2020, becoming part of the “Squad” – a group of progressive politicians who have been vocal about fighting for marginalized communities and addressing issues such as climate change, healthcare, and racial justice. Their presence in Congress was seen as a significant step towards diversity and representation in the government.
But as they gave their farewell speeches, the lack of attendance from their colleagues and the media was disappointing. It was a stark contrast to the attention they received when they first joined Congress. This raises the question: have we already forgotten about the voices of change that we once celebrated?
Cori Bush, the first Black woman to represent Missouri in Congress, spoke about her experience as a Black woman in politics and the challenges she faced while fighting for social justice. She also highlighted her accomplishments, including her advocacy for eviction and foreclosure moratoriums during the pandemic, her push for police reform, and her fight for Medicare for All.
Jamaal Bowman, a former educator and principal, brought a unique perspective to Congress and focused on education reform, criminal justice reform, and addressing income inequality. He also made waves by confronting President Biden on his administration’s lack of action on student loan debt forgiveness.
Despite their impactful work and dedication to their communities, the absence of fellow members of Congress at their farewell speeches sends a disappointing message. It shows a lack of support and recognition for their contributions to Congress and their constituents.
As citizens, it is our responsibility to hold our elected officials accountable. We cannot let their voices be silenced or forgotten, especially when they represent marginalized communities that are often overlooked in politics. Their work and experiences bring much-needed diversity to our government and serve as a reminder that representation matters.
We should also reflect on the reasons behind the lack of attendance at their farewell speeches. Is it because their colleagues do not value their perspectives and contributions? Or is it a reflection of the political climate in which bipartisanship and respect for differing opinions are becoming increasingly rare?
It is also worth noting that the media’s absence at these speeches is concerning. As the fourth estate, it is their duty to inform the public about important events, such as farewell speeches from influential politicians. The lack of coverage suggests that the media may be more focused on sensationalism rather than highlighting important issues and voices.
As we move forward, we must remember the words of Cori Bush, “Activism doesn’t stop when you get elected. It’s just the beginning.” We cannot rely on elected officials to bring about change on their own. It takes a collective effort from citizens to create a more equitable and just society.
Let us not forget the impact that Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman had during their time in Congress. They served as a reminder that our government should reflect the diverse voices and experiences of its citizens. Their departure is a loss for Congress, but it is not the end of their fight for social justice and equality.
In conclusion, the lack of attendance at the farewell speeches of Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman is a reminder that we must do more to support our elected officials who are fighting for change. We cannot let their voices be silenced or their accomplishments be forgotten. Let us continue to hold our elected officials accountable and demand a government that represents and serves all its citizens.
