"But we did not give up on this country. We rebuilt our lives, and we worked to ensure that something like this never happened again in America. Now, I fear there are echoes from that dark chapter of our history. They are speaking once again of camps to hold people, this time for the crime of being undocumented.
"We must not repeat the mistakes of the past. We can learn from them. I know it feels bleak out there. I know it feels hopeless. But I am living proof that out of that darkness can rise great hope and optimism.
"I will fight for the principles of this country until my very last breath. I ask you to join me in that fight. It is a noble one. It is a worthy one. And it is one we fight on behalf not just of ourselves, but of generations to come. When you are my age, you will be able to look back upon this time and be proud of what you did, what you stood for.
"So don’t give up hope. Do not despair. That is what they want, and we shall not give them that satisfaction.
"In Japanese, there is a word my mother used to say to me. 'Gaman, Georgie,' she’d say. It means to endure with fortitude and dignity. We all could benefit the spirit of Gaman. Look to community. Look to friends and family who stood with us and who suffer the grief of this loss with us. In their company find comfort. And when you are ready to stand up and fight, I will be with you, too.
"We will prevail. For the light always defeats the darkness."
–George Takei, actor, writer, and activist
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