In 1983, my mother heard the call of the American Dream all the way in Ghana. She travelled 5,000 miles across an ocean to pursue that Dream. Three years later, I was born — a first-generation American.
Health problems prevented my mother from fully realizing her own dream of becoming a doctor. But because of the sacrifices she made to come here, I was able to get an amazing education in America, and ultimately achieve a J.D. from the William & Mary Law School.
I felt blessed by all that I’d been afforded, and wanted to work to make the Dream real for others. So, instead of going into practice, I joined Teach For America and asked to be sent wherever I was needed. They sent me to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to teach kindergarten.
My students quickly taught me that as important as good teachers & schools are, they are not the entire solution. Kids cannot do their best in school when they are hungry, distressed, insecure, unsupported. To help our kids, we must address factors at home and in our society.
My name is Kojo Asamoa-Caesar, and I’m running to represent OK-1 in Congress because I believe all children have a right to learn, a right to grow, and a right to realize their own American Dreams.
I hope you will join us to build a better Oklahoma and a better nation for all.
Originally posted on Twitter. Re-posted with permission.
