I confess, though I lived in Atlanta for the last ten years, I never felt like this was my ‘home’. I had fond memories of Chicago, the city that welcomed me to America twenty-two years ago, and I call it my ‘second home’. I never felt ‘at home’ here in Georgia, and I hated the racist past, Bible Belts, history of Stone Mountain, and the list goes on and on.
I am, however, a convert. I am proud to call myself Georgian tonight. I am proud of the residents of my state (at least some of them) who decided to get past their party identifies and vote for what’s right. I am proud of the local democrats that have worked tirelessly, canvassed, putting their own lives at risk, and called everyone and anyone to turn up the vote. I am proud of leaders like Stacy Abrams and the organizations like Fair Fight that have awakened the spirit of patriotism and duty among our voters. I am proud of Warnock and Ossoff for running a campaign focused on values, justice, and equality instead of resorting to lies, smears, and insults.
I am a proud Georgian tonight. I am proud to call it home.
I am proud of millions of Georgians that voted to help Build Back Better. Georgia saved America last night by giving Biden the mandate he needs to lead the efforts on climate change, healthcare, social justice, economic equality, education, and infrastructure.