This is extremely personal...

I hope you read this. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [Below, Rep. Mark Takano has an important and very personal message for you – but first, would you consider chipping in $7 to support a fearless Asian American leader fighting for progressive values in Congress? »]( [CHIP IN $7 TO SUPPORT MARK TAKANO NOW »]( As a proud Japanese American, would you allow me to take this time to tell you a little bit about my very personal family story? I know most people don’t read long emails like this, but it would mean a lot to me if you read the whole thing. {NAME}, I’ve been reflecting on the respective stories and experiences of my maternal and paternal grandparents, pictured below. [Mark's family photos: Grandparents]( [Mark's family photos: Grandparents]( Painfully, along with my parents, they were all sent to Japanese American internment camps during World War II because of racist, fear-mongering policies. They lost everything. These policies were a continuation of a long history of Asian exclusion and discrimination in US history. Nonetheless, we’ve persevered. My family started over and rebuilt their entire lives after the internment camps. Asian American communities have traveled across continents to pursue the American Dream and build a new, better life for their children. Today, I’m feeling especially thankful for my parents, Nancy – who I miss everyday – and Willie, for everything they sacrificed for me and my brothers. [Mark's family photos: Siblings]( {NAME}, I’m proud to be Asian American. The AAPI community has persevered and thrived in the United States. And it means so much to me that our nation is collectively celebrating and acknowledging AAPI history, contributions, and culture. After all, Asian American history is American history. [{NAME}, as one of a small handful of Asian Americans serving in Congress, I’m proud to be a voice for Asian American communities and other underrepresented groups. If you’re with me, would you chip in $7 or any amount to help me keep up my work for the AAPI community? »]( If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: [CONTRIBUTE $7 »]( [CONTRIBUTE $15 »]( [Or a custom donation »]( Learning about our stories is the best tool we have to combat current and future anti-Asian discrimination – so thank you for taking the time to read this message. -- Mark Takano Paid for by Mark Takano For Congress [P.O. Box 5214, Riverside, CA 92517](#) [www.marktakano.com](#) Mark Takano represents the good people of California's Inland Empire in Congress, fighting for the region's progressive priorities. He's been a voice for veterans, seniors, students, local businesses and hardworking families. But now, Republicans have captured a slim House Majority. The leadership of progressive Democrats like Mark will be critical to holding Republicans accountable and ensuring the healing of our country during this challenging time. Please, consider making a [one-time contribution by clicking here](. Or, to make the most powerful lasting impact and join Team Takano in the fight for progressive policies, make a [monthly sustaining contribution by clicking here](. [Click here]( to receive fewer emails. [Click here]( to update your information. Click here to [unsubscribe](. [Donate Once a Month to Help Mark »]( [Donate Just One Time »](