This Black History Month, one person I want to highlight is Diane Nash.

Nash was born in Chicago. She participated in a variety of civil rights campaigns as a student activist, including lunch counter protests in Nashville, Freedom Rides and organizing voting drives with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Her efforts remind me of the work I see in the 17th District every day, including that of students of the Thornton Fractional High School District 215 who helped me pass Senate Bill 1970. This new law gives students two hours to vote during the school day.

I want to thank Diane Nash and anyone who has ever fought for equal voting rights.