History Made!

History was made last night on the floor of the U.S. Congress. New Jersey Democratic Senator, Cory Booker, used the filibuster to speak for 25 hours and 4 minutes to break the record of Democratic Senator Strom Thurmond. 

On August 28, 1957, Strom Thurmond, a Democratic Senator from South Carolina, began a filibuster intended to prevent the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. The filibuster—an extended speech designed to stall legislation—began at 8:54 p.m. and lasted until 9:12 p.m. the following day, a duration of 24 hours and 18 minutes. This made the filibuster the longest single-person filibuster in United States Senate history. It was also the longest single-person Senate speech until April 2, 2025, when the record was broken by Cory Booker, with Booker speaking for 25 hours and 4 minutes. His speech was to tell the American people the harm being done to America by President Trump and his administration. He also did not want the longest speech in the history of the Congress to be a speech full of racism.

 "I could break this record of the man who tried to stop the rights upon which I stand,” Booker said shortly before breaking the record. “I'm not here, though, because of his speech; I'm here despite his speech. I'm here because as powerful as he was, the people were more powerful.”

Senator Cory Booker demonstrated unwavering persistence throughout his 25-hour speech, standing firm in his fight against policies he believed would harm marginalized communities. With no breaks, he passionately defended healthcare, voting rights and justice reform, using historical references and personal stories to keep the Senate and the nation engaged in urgent dialogue.

 His historic speech has reinvigorated Democrats, reminding them of the power of persistence in the fight for healthcare, voting rights and justice. The 25-hour stand showcased his deep commitment to protecting fundamental rights and ensuring every voice is heard. Many see this moment as a turning point—proof that passionate leadership can inspire action and renew momentum.

 Booker’s speech was not just a moment of defiance but a rallying call for progress and lasting change.

"I was challenged by my own constituents to do something different, challenged by my own constituents to do something, challenged by my own constituents to take risks,” Booker said."

Will you accept the challenge?