Why the Bluejay?

During my campaign, I met an Indigenous woman in Bluefield, WV, who gifted me a bluejay feather. She believed that my candidacy represented a critical step forward. She saw the feather as a symbol to ensure that my voice would be heard, inspire West Virginians to speak out, and empower communities. This experience deeply influenced me, leading me to name this organization after the bluejay. I still have the feather, and it is never far from me.

Spiritually, a bluejay is a symbol of communication, curiosity, confidence, hope, courage, and achievement of goals when sighted—values we embrace and want to nurture. The bluejay additionally draws from the inspiration of a Mockingjay from “The Hunger Games” as a symbol of defiance and hope.

The color blue represents the spirit of democracy. In rural America, particularly in Appalachia, being on the left often feels like an uphill battle. The bluejay stands as a symbol of resistance against the pervasive influence of conservative right-wing politics in forgotten pockets across southern West Virginia and our country as a whole. It represents our refusal to allow fear-mongering politicians to maintain their stranglehold on the working class.

Through mutual aid and collective action, the bluejay rises in Appalachia and beyond, inspiring hope and demonstrating those who stand with us who truly care about working-class people. The bluejay rises against corruption, fierce, vocal, and unapologetic, embodying the spirit of resilience and the fight for a better future.