Good morning, because honestly, I need to say this plain: it is Columbus Day, and for Caribbean people, Caribbean Americans, South Americans, and Central Americans, this is not something to celebrate. There is nothing exciting about honoring Christopher Columbus when so many of us know the real history behind that name. If you know your true history about that man, then you already understand why this day feels offensive instead of celebratory.

I am speaking as someone who is tired of seeing this holiday treated like it is harmless. It is not harmless when a whole community is expected to smile through a day that glorifies violence, colonization, and pain. A public holiday sends a message about whose history matters and whose suffering gets ignored. Right now, that message is wrong.

That is why I am calling on local leaders to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day in our community. We do not need to keep honoring a figure who represents harm to so many people across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. We can choose a day that tells the truth, respects Indigenous people, and reflects values our community should actually be proud of.

If you have ever felt like this holiday does not represent you, if you have ever been frustrated watching people celebrate a history that caused so much damage, please stand with me. Sign this petition and help demand a change that is honest, respectful, and long overdue.