Our nation was founded on the basic promise of the American Dream, the idea that through hard work and perseverance, anyone, regardless of their circumstances or resources, could build a better life for themselves and for their family. Of course, this promise was not a reality for all Americans at our nation’s founding, nor is it a reality for all Americans today.

So much of what I have been able to achieve in my career has hinged on opportunity—the opportunity to go to college, to study law, to find gainful employment and ultimately to represent the people of Alabama’s 7^th Congressional District in Congress. The truth is that it takes preparation and resources to take full advantage of opportunities when they are presented. Without preparation and opportunity, it wouldn’t matter how hard I worked or how many hours I spent studying. It’s opportunity coupled with preparation that is often the key to success.

For this reason, I am committed to making sure that we work to provide more resources and increase opportunities for every person across the 7^th Congressional District, and especially for those living in the Black Belt. I truly believe that every single American deserves the opportunity to build a better life for themselves. Freedom is the personal decision of what to make of that opportunity, but for those so willing to put in the work and sacrifice, we must ensure that opportunity is available. That begins first and foremost with the dignity of a job.

Hosting our Annual Job Fair was a campaign promise I made during my first run for Congress, and it is one that I intend to keep for as long as I am your representative. The Annual Job Fair is about bringing together job seekers and employers from across Alabama’s 7^th Congressional District, in an attempt to uplift each and every member of our community. I know that our district has so much talent to offer, and it is my sincere hope that our Annual Job Fair will help job seekers access the resources they need to secure better economic opportunities.

For the past seven years we have alternated between urban and rural areas of our district, because I fundamentally believe that we must bring resources and opportunities to people—meeting them where they live. I am so excited that our 8^th Annual Job Fair will bring us back to my hometown of Selma.

This year we will have over 70 employers across 13 different industry sectors joining us at Wallace Community College. Our goal is to provide something for everyone. Admission is free but we strongly encourage pre-registration at sewell.house.gov.

I remain committed to making sure that every person within the 7^th Congressional District has the resources and opportunities they need to reach their God-given potential.  I believe in the power of the Black Belt. We come from great stock. It was our ancestors in this district who fought for civil rights and voting rights and dared to make America live up to its potential of justice and equality for all.

I hope that you all will join us this Thursday August 8^th at Wallace Community College in Selma and help me in spreading the word about this important event. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m. – I look forward to seeing you there!