Congratulations to governor-elect

Congratulations to Josh Shapiro on picking Austin Davis as your lieutenant governor. He will be the first African American lieutenant governor.

Governor-elect, on your campaign trail, you persuasively asked us to believe that you are the right choice. I urge you to listen to the voices of people — Black, Latinos, and Muslims who lifted you to the governorship.

Over the years we have seen a steep rise in opioid addiction, enormous student loan debt, homelessness, mass incarceration, school shootings and I can go on and on. Swimming in these difficult times in a political ocean which is full of powerful partisan currants requires courage and determination. And you have it.

Your cabinet should be a diverse one with Blacks, Latinos, and Muslims so we have input in the formulation of your policy and agenda. The Black Lives Matter movement should have a seat at the table so you can hear of our struggles and learn from our experiences, which come out of rich histories of struggle against oppression in this country.

Mohammed Khaku

Upper Macungie Township