Together in Solidarity

My visit to Kansas City this week broke my heart open. It has been 2 months since Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed by a man who yelled, “Get out of my country.” I met with Alok Madesani, his best friend who was shot and survived; Ian Grillot chased the gunman to stop him from shooting more people and was shot multiple times; Mindy Corporan who lost her son and father in the shooting at a Jewish Community Center in 2014 and has come to stand by them as an ally; and Sunaina Dumala, Srinu’s widow who has just returned from India where she cremated her husband. Her words still echo in me. Deep inside of grief, wiping away tears, Sunaina told me: “I don’t want there to be one more Srinu or one more Sunaina. If we can save just one life in Srinu’s memory, it will be worth it.” I vowed that we will never forget Srinu and will continue to fight in his name.

In my address to the Kansas City community last night, we put out a call to action. We have grieved together; now we organize together. Not one more Srinu. Not one more Sunaina. More to come soon, but first pictures from last night’s powerful event in a church packed with hundreds of people of all races, faiths, and backgrounds “One Community: Together in Solidarity.” Deep gratitude to Rekha Sharma-Crawford and community leaders for inviting me and trusting me with your story. Let this be the beginning. #MoralResistance #RevolutionaryLove