With all the news this week of 45 testing positive for COVID and his despicable behavior surrounding it all, I’m exhausted and disgusted. As a counterbalance, I want to share something that does my heart good.
Judge Martin Jenkins was appointed to the California Supreme Court by Governor Gavin Newsom. Jenkins will be the first openly gay man on the court and the third African American to sit on the state’s highest court. Watching Jenkin’s acceptance speech was moving. Please take the time to watch it (5:52).
He’s giving me hope that even in face of all this despair and concern, there are thoughtful, committed, intelligent, and brave people showing up and doing what they are here to do.
Thank you, Hon. Jenkins. You are an inspiration.
Here are a few of the (many) statements he made that spoke to me:
“There is a significant responsibility of being a first…”
“My identity has been the greatest challenge of my life and it has not been easy, but I want to say today to those young people watching that I’m not here in spite of the struggle, but I am here because of the struggle… “
“Living a life of authenticity is the greatest gift you can give yourself.”
I’m cheering for all the LGBTQIA youth out there who have him as a role model.
I needed something to uplift my spirit and he has gifted me that. Thank you, Hon. Jenkins.
Photo by Mitchell Greist www.unsplash.com