Peace, Love, & Being a Jan Fan

Author

Veronica Arreola
May 08, 2025

The announcement that Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky would retire was not a shock or unexpected. It was leaked the same day that Senator Dick Durbin announced his retirement. But it was still unreal to read. She has been my congresswoman for over 20 years.

That’s me cheesing it up next to Jan after a Trust Women rally in May 2022.

I first met the Congresswoman in my Chicago NOW days in the early aughts. She was holding a press conference and rally in a Chicago alley. I wish I had a news clip to share, but clearly something was happening during the Dubya administration that caused concern over abortion rights.

Me speaking at that rally. Talking motherhood and abortion.

Since that first meeting, I’ve attended her luncheon, but mostly seen her at political events, rallies, and once at the Target on Howard. She was by herself and I felt like I needed to respect another woman’s time at Target, so I didn’t approach her.

Safe selfies at State Senator Ram Villivalam’s campaign kick-off

I’ve always been grateful that almost every time we need to call a member of Congress to get something done, I could call or email a thank you, because we were usually in agreement.

I wish I could link her newsletter here because her outline of her accomplishments is amazing. When folks are causing trouble in DC, she was usually there from the time she joined the late John Lewis at a sit-in on the floor of Congress to protesting outside of federal buildings in support of government workers as fElon was dismantling our administrative state.

I was honored to meet with her in January 2024 to discuss the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability structure and my role as a district councilor. She offered words of encouragement and support for all district councilors as we built out a new arm of the city.

Electoral politics is always complicated. No candidate is ever perfect. Purity tests are for people who want to be disappointed in our elected officials. Because governing is a matter of compromises. Said as someone who has had her heart broken by electeds she worked to get there and as someone who now does the governing. I also say that as someone who will have to sift through the candidates who will want to fill this seat. Who will have to fit the very big shoes of a very petite woman.

Let the race begin.

How I am Persisting - TV/Movies

The Last of Us

It took me until last night to finally watch episode 3 of Season 2. Yes, while I am a fan of zombie stories and post-apocalyptic fiction, I was here for Pedro. And the mushroom slander. So now without my hero, I am here to see the rise of Ellie. To see what kind of hero she turns out to be. How problematic will she be in a world where humanity is pushed to the brink and she holds the secret to our survival in her blood?

Sinners

OHMYGAWD. What a freaking beautiful movie. I have seen a lot of horror movies and even the best of them scare me at points. But this one. I was too enthralled with how well made this movie is to be scared. Jump scares and deaths were like dances. And there is one scene where the folding of time and eras will be taught for years in so many different classes. After most things pop culture I like to read think pieces because, hi, have you met me? I am still collecting analysis of this movie, like the ”Sinners” Movie Syllabus. If you have a fave, please let me know!

Other ways to support this newsletter & my writing:

Buy my book, J is for Justice

Buy Orca Gear at Threadless

All book links are Bookshop affiliate links.
Buying through these links helps to support my writing projects.