As Americans gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a well-known progressive Democrat from Massachusetts and member of the “Squad,” shared her thoughts on the holiday’s deeper implications. She reflected on how some families are missing loved ones due to issues like abduction and deportation.
“This Thanksgiving, I think about those who have an empty seat at their table—those whose family members have been taken from them, lost to gun violence, mass incarceration, and various injustices. If we continue to fight for it, a fairer America is possible,” Pressley commented.
On a related note, President Trump’s administration has been intensifying efforts against illegal immigration.
Another member of the Squad, Rep. Summer Lee from Pennsylvania, pointed out that Thanksgiving can serve as a painful reminder of historical injustices like “stolen land and broken treaties.” She stated, “While Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and community for many, it’s also a day that prompts reflection on the injustices faced by Indigenous communities. As we give thanks today, let’s also commit to the fight for their sovereignty, justice, and freedom.”
Previously, Pressley had remarked on the concept of “stolen land” in a post, emphasizing, “We are all on stolen land.”
Pressley further added that while some may attempt to obscure America’s past, acknowledging its role in marginalizing Indigenous people is crucial. “We will continue to celebrate their contributions, amplify Indigenous voices in policymaking, and work towards a just and equitable future,” she affirmed.
