04/07/2026
As we celebrate this extraordinary milestone in our nation’s history, I hope we’ll do more than celebrate our independence. I hope we’ll recommit ourselves to the remarkable experiment in democratic self-government our founders began 250 years ago.
The Declaration of Independence is often remembered as the document that separated us from England. But it did something even more revolutionary than that.
It declared that legitimate government derives its power from the people—not a king, not inherited privilege, but the consent of the governed. It affirmed that every person possesses inherent rights, and that government exists to protect those rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Then, after making one of history’s boldest declarations, the founders ended with a pledge—not just to an ideal, but to one another. They understood that self-government would require more than freedom. It would require trust, shared responsibility, and a commitment to the common good.
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
That feels like a message worth rediscovering 250 years later.
Nearly two years ago, I experienced my own small piece of that American experiment. As a working-class mom, I decided to run for office because I believed that ordinary people should help shape the future of their communities. I was significantly outspent in one of the most expensive City Commission races in Grand Rapids history, and yet the people of the First Ward elected me by an 11% margin.
I am deeply grateful and humbled by the trust my neighbors have placed in me. Their confidence reaffirmed my belief that our great experiment in democratic self-government works when ordinary people choose to participate.
Serving as your City Commissioner has only strengthened my faith in democracy—not because it’s perfect, but because it gives us the opportunity to keep learning, improving, and correcting our course as we strive to better fulfill our founding ideals.
For 250 years, Americans have been engaged in the ongoing work of expanding liberty, opportunity, equality, and human dignity. Each generation has inherited that responsibility. Now it’s our turn.
So today, as we celebrate America’s birthday, let’s do more than wave flags and watch fireworks.
Let’s rededicate ourselves to this great experiment in democratic self-government.
Let’s pledge ourselves to one another—not because we agree on everything, but because we share the responsibility of building a nation worthy of its highest ideals.
Happy Independence Day, and happy 250th birthday, America. Here’s to the next 250 years. 🇺🇸
