This coming Saturday April 29 from 10am-2pm at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center in Henrico, Virginia, is the democratic nominating caucus where I will be running for the House of Delegates for the 73rd District in the State of Virginia.
The past few months have been some of the most rewarding of my life. As a a professor of anthropology and women’s studies (Barack Obama’s mother was an anthropologist) and an immigration scholar, I was told at the beginning of my campaign not to make immigration part of my platform. But how could I not? In addition to my teaching and scholarship, I regularly serve as an expert witness assisting refugees to get political asylum in federal court. I just received news that we won asylum for a women who fled domestic violence in her home country. Fighting for the rights of migrants and vulnerable populations is what I do and who I am.
Considering that just yesterday, the Trump administration announced the opening of its VOICE office and “hotline” in another attempt to demonize immigrants, my run for office is as important as ever. As a nation of immigrants, how can we not stand up to hateful rhetoric and fear mongering? The Trump administration’s immigration policy is dangerous as we see undocumented communities in panic and fear but legal migrants as well. Henrico’s minority communities have reported how the anti-immigrant atmosphere has increased incidents of racism and fear. The attainment of the American Dream is directly tied to all our most immediate concerns over healthcare, education, jobs, and the environment.
Each day in my campaign, as I knock on doors in Henrico County, every door that opens is a window into the strong and diverse community that is our district. With a long history of migration and refugee resettlement, Henrico has become home for Cambodians, Bosnians, Sudanese, Vietnamese, Iraqi, Pakistani, Indian, Guatemalan, Afghanis, Congolese, and so many more. We are a a nation of immigrants and a county that reflects that history.
I still believe in the American Dream because I have spent the past 20 years studying it. I believe in the American Dream because I have spent the last ten years defending it. And I believe in the American Dream because I know it is still alive and well in Henrico country.
No matter the outcome of Saturday’s election, I know I have brought the message of unity in diversity to our county and to our state. Thank you for all your support.
Dr. Debra H. Rodman
www.rodmanfordelegate.com
I am also humbled by all the support and endorsements:
From frequent Daily Kos contributor and former Superintendent of Schools at Goochland County Public Schools, Dr. Harold "Bud" Cothern,
”I am endorsing Debra Rodman for Virginia's 73rd District because of her background in helping immigrants in the age of Trump, her pledge not to accept donations from Dominion Resources, and because of her teaching background and dedication to public education. As a former school superintendent I think we need an education champion in the General Assembly, someone who will fight the "choice" agenda of Republicans. We need a strong voice to represent us. I think that person is Debra Rodman. Please consider voting for her in the Democratic Caucus this Saturday, April 29, 2017, 10 am-2pm at Cultural Arts Center.”
From Lana Heath de Martinez, immigrants rights activist and public policy analyst:
“Debra is simply a remarkable human being. She has been selflessly representing community members in various capacities for her entire career. As a special advocate, she understands the nuances of policy and her professional discipline provides a broad lens to interpret, discern and distill potential effects of legislation. There is no other candidate in any district who I would rather see representing Virginians in the general assembly. I enthusiastically endorse Rodman!”