“On Saturday, May 2, I had the privilege of volunteering at Citizenship Day with Project Citizenship (in partnership with the City of Boston) serving individuals and families from across New England as they took courageous steps toward becoming U.S. citizens.
I’ve been showing up for Citizenship Day and pop-up clinics since 2020 and each year, each interaction, reinforces why it matters.
I showed up in honor of my Haitian parents and in what I consider an act of resistance. Because in a moment when access to the ballot has been challenged and the protections of the Voting Rights Act have been weakened, helping someone move one step closer to the right to vote feels both urgent and necessary.
What stayed with me most was the energy in the room: hope, determination, and quiet bravery. I also left with having made new, like-minded connections with people equally committed to this work.
And as always, I was mindful that I never show up alone. I also represent my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, in these spaces. For many of the future citizens we serve, they may not know anything about the Divine Nine, but they will remember who was at the table when they showed up and chose themselves, their future, and their voice.
Joyful. Sobering. Necessary.
Grateful to be in the work.”
— Nancy Rousseau, Project Citizenship Volunteer
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