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>> Good morning, everybody.
» Good morning. >> And welcome to the greatest city in
America. You can tell your mayor I already told
them it's okay. They all know we are so happy to have
you here in Baltimore. I want to thank our brother and entire team for Jack and
Jill for your leadership and for choosing Baltimore
for this convention. And of course I have to give a special shout out to the
Baltimore chapter for all their work to uplift our young people in Baltimore.
In Baltimore, also known as Wakanda, we are so proud
to host an organization that embodies the strength and leadership of black
women, especially black mothers. I always said that I would be nothing
without black women, let alone the mayor of Baltimore. But I think it's really
important, especially in this moment, when we live in a time when the federal
government is targeting black people, but black women specifically.
Organizations like Jack and Jill now more important than ever. This
convention is an opportunity to uplift your work as a collective, but it's also
a chance for you to celebrate yourselves as individuals, be thankful to the
mentors and folks that have poured into you and continue to pour into you,
because we know how much that means to us, not just as individuals, but for
great organizations like this. We know that Jack and Jill understands the
importance of those relationships. You know that in order to raise strong,
successful young black people, you need a dedicated mentor to support them both
inside and outside of the home. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, beats working,
playing, and living together in the Jack and Jill way, four generations of
families have felt the benefits of your work here in Baltimore and across the
country. Nothing will ever dim that impact, not even the largest attack on
blackness since our reconstruction. And I cannot wait to see what the future
brings because with your beautiful black children and mine leading the way, our
future is very bright. And this is something that I've been saying to our
people very recently. And remember, black people, our skin may be dark, but
we ARE THE LIGHT. >> [cheering]
[applause]
>> EVERYTHING RIGHT AND righteous about
this world comes from us. That's why they all fear because they
know when you know your power, they can't stand to walk into that power and
to handle to being the light. That is what the world needs. So again, welcome
to Baltimore. Get all the seafood you can get cuz it won't be
as good when you go back home.
Buy all the Old Bay you can to try to make it taste like Old Bay.
We love to have you here. Welcome. And I will
uh read this official uh citation from me. Uh this is a mayoral salute for Jack
and Jill of America in recognition of your 47th National Convention and
dedicated service to your community. Under your theme, a single in purpose,
charting the course, launching leaders, this week dynamic convention will bring
together families, community members, and leaders to advance leadership
development, children's rights, cultural awareness, and financial literacy,
recreation, and community engagement. On behalf of the great people of Baltimore,
I commend you on this special occasion and offer best wishes for a memorable
convention and continued positive impact. Congratulations. Thank you.
Please have a wonderful [applause] convention.
» [applause]
[applause]
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