Cori Bush

“I was evicted because of the violence a former partner committed against me and believe no person should lose housing due to crimes committed against them by abusers.”

“Words can build up communities or break them down.”

“Dr. Henry Givens, Jr. led Harris-Stowe State University for 32 years. His leadership transformed Harris-Stowe, the university I attended, from a small college with just one building into the nationally acclaimed HBCU that it is today.”

“Honoring George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown Jr., and too many other Black people taken from our communities by state violence is at the heart of why we legislate in defense of Black lives - and it's why we lead with an agenda rooted in saving lives.”

“The unhoused crisis in our country is a public health emergency, and a moral and policy failure at every level of our government.”

“We treat Black and brown kids who can't vote yet, can't join the military, can't rent a car or even buy a lottery ticket - like adults in our criminal legal system. We deprive them of their joy and their youth. Children who deserve to live rich and abundant lives.”

“Decades of racist, dehumanizing immigration policies have created systems that have criminalized and traumatized our immigrant neighbors, friends, and families in St. Louis and across our country.”

“We must address the real threats of climate change in communities of color and across the Global South, the forced expulsion of Black people in Europe and the Americas, and the socioeconomic demands of young people throughout the world.”

“The people of Missouri's First District elected a Ferguson-made activist to the House and I have brought the same energy from the frontlines of Ferguson to the halls of Congress.”

“Juneteenth has always been a symbol of freedom deferred.”

“This stereotype that Black and brown boys and girls are dangerous or threatening has normalized systems of trauma: the cradle to prison pipeline, foster care, youth detention, and being tried and sentenced as adults. We treat trauma with more trauma.”

“I've lived out of my car for months with my two babies. I've seen my belongings in trash bags along my backseat.”

“It is our duty as representatives in Congress to do the most for everyone we represent, beginning with those who have the least.”

“We don't live in a world that nurtures and cares for Black girls like me. And if the world doesn't care about a Black girl like me, then what will happen to our Black babies who grow up to become Black children and Black adults?”

“One of the most important lessons that I learned in Ferguson was that in a true movement, everyone leads in some way. We need leaders with a shared vision, yes - but with a whole spectrum of skills, in every possible field.”

“I know what it's like to work 40, 50 or 60 hours a week and still not have enough to live.”

“We cannot denounce white supremacy and allow its endorsers to continue serving in our government.”

“While I cannot speak on behalf of the AAPI community, I do want to say that I stand in solidarity with you.”

“As we work to do the most for everyone in Missouri's First District beginning with those who have the least, we have to make our constituent services program as accessible as possible.”

“Despite the adversity that George Floyd endured, he was full of life and love for his family, friends, and loved ones. It was in honor of his life that millions took to the streets in struggle for a world where George Floyd would never have been taken from us.”