In his first speech to the 118th Congress Hakeem Jeffries schooled lawmakers on the alphabet of politics. Jeffries, the Brooklyn Democrat, House Minority Leader, is the first African American to lead a party caucus. From A to Z he listed congressional priorities, telling bi-partisan legislators, "We may have come over on different ships but we are all in the same boat now."
Jeffries, 52, was somewhat a mentee of outgoing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelodi who endorsed him to be her successor. Formerly chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, as a Black man he follows the hstoric trail of Pelosi being the first woman to lead House Democrats, a position she held for 20 years before retiring. rose to the seat unopposed.
Now, about that speech. . . His remarks were mainly directed to far right-wingers who have caused what he calls "historic dysfunction," particularly after they led a stromy start to the current Congressional session by delaying the election of now Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. The cadence of his words had the rhythm of poetry or rap, a style of music he openly embraces. (In fact, it was Jeffries who helped lead efforts for music creators rights on the hill.) A Youtube video of his remarks was viewed 2.4 million times.
From Martin Luther King, Jr. to Hakeem Jeffries strong oratorical skills have distinguished Black leaders on the national front. Although Jeffries is not a pastor, his prominent voice can influence outcomes for the country. His voice grabs the attention of a broad demographic from This intial speech, in which he compares and contrasts Democrats to Reopublicans, shows his intent to discard dissention between his colleagues ad redirect the focus of both chambers on srevice to the American people. View his speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AxDQK6yGBI
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